Generic Name: anthrax vaccine (Intramuscular route)
AN-thrax VAX-een ad-SORBD
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
Available Dosage Forms:
Therapeutic Class: Vaccine
Uses For Biothrax
Anthrax vaccine is used to prevent infection by anthrax bacteria. The vaccine works by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against anthrax.
Anthrax is a serious disease that may cause death. It is spread by touching or eating something that is infected with the anthrax germ, such as animals, or by breathing in the anthrax germ.
This vaccine is to be administered only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Before Using Biothrax
In deciding to use a vaccine, the risks of taking the vaccine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this vaccine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of anthrax vaccine in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of anthrax vaccine in the elderly.
Pregnancy
|
Pregnancy Category |
Explanation |
|---|
| All Trimesters |
D |
Studies in pregnant women have demonstrated a risk to the fetus. However, the benefits of therapy in a life threatening situation or a serious disease, may outweigh the potential risk. |
Breast Feeding
Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.
Interactions with Medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this vaccine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Anthrax infection, history of—May increase risk for more serious side effects.
- Blood clotting problems or
- Thin blood from medicines (eg, warfarin, Coumadin®)—The vaccine will be given as a shot under the skin.
- Immunosuppression (weak immune system)—The vaccine may not work as well in patients with this condition.
Proper Use of Biothrax
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this vaccine. The vaccine is given as a shot into one of your muscles. You will receive a total of 5 shots.
In order for this vaccine to work properly, it is very important that you not miss any doses. Keep all of your appointments with your doctor.
The stopper of the vial contains dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex), which may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to latex. Tell your doctor if you have a latex allergy before you start receiving this vaccine.
This vaccine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Precautions While Using Biothrax
It is very important that you return to your doctor’s office at the right time for the next dose of the vaccine. Be sure to tell your doctor about any side effects that occur after you receive this vaccine.
Receiving this vaccine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while receiving the vaccine, tell your doctor right away.
This vaccine will not treat an anthrax infection that has already started. Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to anthrax. You will need medicine to treat the infection.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have cancer or are receiving a treatment that may weaken the immune system (such as a steroid medicine, radiation treatment, or a medicine to treat cancer).
This vaccine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, swelling of the tongue and throat, or trouble breathing after receiving the vaccine.
Biothrax Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common- Pain, redness, tenderness, or limited movement of the arm where the injection is given
Less common- Body aches or pain
- chills
- cough
- diarrhea
- difficulty with breathing
- ear congestion
- feeling unusually cold
- fever
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- headache
- joint pain
- loss of appetite
- loss of voice
- muscle aches and pains
- nasal congestion
- nausea
- runny nose
- shivering
- sneezing
- sore throat
- sweating
- swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
- trouble sleeping
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
Incidence not known- Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
- dark-colored urine
- difficulty swallowing
- dizziness
- fainting
- fast heartbeat
- hives or welts
- itching, lumps, swelling, or warmth where the injection is given
- large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- muscle cramps or spasms
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- red skin lesions, often with a purple center
- red, irritated eyes
- redness of the skin
- shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
- shortness of breath
- skin rash
- sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
- tightness in the chest
- trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
- wheezing
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common- Back pain
- cramps
- difficulty with moving
- heavy bleeding
- pain
- pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
- swollen joints
Less commonIncidence not known- Hair loss or thinning of the hair
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Biothrax side effects (in more detail)
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More Biothrax resources
- Biothrax Side Effects (in more detail)
- Biothrax Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Biothrax Drug Interactions
- Biothrax Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Biothrax - Add your own review/rating
- BioThrax Consumer Overview
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