Anthrax vaccine (Injection)

Brand Name(s)

Biothrax

Introduction

Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed (AN-thrax VAX-een ad-SORBD)

Protects against infections caused by anthrax.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicines or receiving treatments that weaken the immune system, such as a steroid medicine (dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, or Medrol®), radiation therapy, or a cancer medicine. Tell your doctor if you are also using a blood thinner, such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Using this medicine 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 using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have a weak immune system or a history of anthrax infection. Also, tell your doctor if you have problems with blood clotting or if you are using medicines that affect blood clotting.
• 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.
• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to rubber. The stopper of the vial contains dry natural rubber latex, which may cause an allergic reaction if you have a latex allergy.
• 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.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Lumps in your neck, armpits, or groin.
• Muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Redness, tenderness, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given.
• Swelling or limited movement of the arm where the injection was given.
• Tremors.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back or joint pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Headache or nausea.
• Mild skin rash.
• Stuffy or runny nose.
• Tiredness.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. You will receive a total of 5 shots.
• This vaccine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

• Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.