Daptacel and Pegvisomant Subcutaneous

• Generic Name: diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / pertussis, acellular
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Daptacel, Infanrix, Infanrix Preservative Free

Daptacel is a combination vaccine that helps prevent diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis are serious diseases caused by bacteria.

Diphtheria causes a thick coating in the nose, throat, and airway. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and even death.

Tetanus (lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the victim cannot open his mouth or swallow. Tetanus leads to death in about 1 out of 10 cases.

Pertussis (whooping cough) causes coughing so severe that it is hard for infants to eat, drink, or breathe. These spells can last for weeks. It can lead to pneumonia, seizures (convulsions), brain damage, and death.

Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds. Vaccines for these diseases expose the individual to a small amount of the bacteria, helping the body develop immunity to the disease.

Daptacel pediatric vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus acellular, and pertussis pediatric vaccine (also called DTaP)) is used to help prevent these diseases in children who are ages 6 weeks to 6 years old (before the child has reached his or her 7th birthday).

Daptacel vaccine works by exposing your child to a small dose of the bacteria or a protein from the bacteria, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Like any vaccine, Daptacel may not provide protection from disease in every person.

• Generic Name: pegvisomant
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Somavert

Pegvisomant is used to treat a condition called acromegaly, which is caused by too much growth hormone in the body, in patients who cannot be treated with surgery or radiation. Too much growth hormone produced in adults causes the hands, feet, and parts of the face to become large, thick, and bulky. Other problems such as arthritis also can develop. Pegvisomant works by binding to the growth hormone receptor and preventing the actions of too much growth hormone .

Pegvisomant is available only with your doctor's prescription.