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Brand Names: Dukoral
Common Name: cholera and travellers' diarrhea vaccine (oral, inactivated)
What is this drug used for?
This medication belongs to the class of medications called vaccines. It is used to help prevent travellers' diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and cholera in adults and children 2 years of age and older. It is recommended for people traveling to areas with a high risk of cholera or travellers' diarrhea.
This vaccine works by introducing very small amounts of dead cholera bacteria and nontoxic components of cholera toxin into the body. This allows the body to make antibodies against the bacteria and toxin so that if the bacteria does get into the body and produce the toxin, they are immediately attacked by the body's own defense system. The cholera toxin is very similar to the toxin produced by ETEC, the bacteria that causes most cases of traveller's diarrhea. Therefore, the body's defenses against cholera toxin will also work against the ETEC toxin. Protection begins within one week of finishing the first course of immunization.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not suggested it.
Is there any reason not to take this drug?
This vaccine should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to any of the ingredients of the vaccine or sachet
- has an acute illness, including those accompanied by fever
What about possible side effects?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- vomiting
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- signs of a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the mouth or throat)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
What if I am taking other drugs?
There may be an interaction between this vaccine and any of the following:
- encapsulated oral typhoid vaccine (do not take within 8 hours of each other)
- immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine, cyclosporine, prednisone, dexamethasone, etanercept, infliximab, tacrolimus, sirolimus)
- other vaccines and medications taken by mouth (do not take other medications 1 hour before and 1 hour after this vaccine).
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
Other information:
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Allergic reactions: Rarely, this vaccine may cause severe allergic reactions. If you notice the signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives; trouble breathing or swallowing; or swelling of the lips, face, throat, or tongue), get emergency medical attention immediately.
Immunocompromised people: This vaccine may not be as effective for people with a compromised immune system (e.g., people with AIDS, people taking antirejection medications after an organ transplant, people receiving chemotherapy, people taking any medication that suppresses the immune system).
Protection against cholera and travellers' diarrhea caused by ETEC: Not all people who take the vaccine will be fully protected against cholera and travellers' diarrhea caused by ETEC. This vaccine will not protect against diarrhea caused by other organisms. Travellers should take all necessary precautions to avoid contact with, or ingestion of, potentially contaminated sources of food or water (e.g., drink bottled or boiled water, wash hands before eating and after using toilet facilities).
Pregnancy: This vaccine should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this vaccine, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: This vaccine may be safely used while breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this vaccine have not been established for children two years of age and younger.
Special Instructions:
To prevent cholera: Adults and children over 6 years of age should receive 2 doses of the vaccine at least 1 week apart and no more than 6 weeks apart. The second dose should be given at least 1 week before departure. Protection lasts for 2 years. A single booster dose can be given if the last dose was given between 2 years and 5 years earlier.
Children from 2 to 6 years of age should receive 3 doses, 1 to 6 weeks apart. The third dose should be given at least 1 week before departure. Protection lasts for 6 months. A single booster dose can be given if the last dose was given between 6 months and 5 years earlier.
To prevent travellers' diarrhea caused by ETEC: Adults and children 2 years of age and over should receive 2 doses, 1 to 6 weeks apart. The second dose should be given at least 1 week before departure. Protection lasts for three months. A booster dose can be given if the last dose was given between 3 months and 5 years earlier.
The vaccine must be taken by mouth. Avoid food and drink for 1 hour before and after taking the vaccine. Do not take any other medication for 1 hour before and 1 hour after taking the vaccine.
To prepare the vaccine:
Step 1: Dissolve the powder from the sachet in a glass of cool water (approximately 150 mL or 5 oz). Do not use any other liquid. For adults and children 6 years and older, proceed to Step 2. For children 2 years to 6 years old, discard half of the mixture and proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: Shake the small glass vial that contains the vaccine to mix it well.
Step 3: Open the vial and add the vaccine to the liquid in the glass. Stir well and drink immediately. If the mixture is not drunk immediately, it should be kept at room temperature and consumed within 2 hours of mixing.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as the severity of the condition, body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
It is important to use this medication exactly as recommend by your doctor or pharmacist. If you forget a dose, it may be taken any time within 6 weeks. If it has been more that 6 weeks since your last dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Before mixing, store the vaccine in the refrigerator. Do not allow it to freeze. The vaccine may be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks on one occasion only. The sodium hydrogen carbonate sachet may be stored separately at room temperature if desired. After mixing, the vaccine should be consumed within 2 hours.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
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