Anthrax Vaccine (By injection)

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Prevents infections caused by anthrax. Used either before or immediately after possible exposure.

Drug classes

Vaccine (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Anthrax vaccine is used to prevent infection caused by anthrax bacteria. It is used before exposure to anthrax to protect people at high risk of getting the disease. It is also used after exposure to anthrax, together with antibiotics, to protect people from getting the disease. 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 given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Injectable

A nurse or other health professional will give you this vaccine. The vaccine is given as a shot under your skin or into a muscle.

You will receive 1 dose of the vaccine to start, and then you will be given the rest of the doses in the series at specific times. Some possible schedules are as follows: 1 and 6 months after the first dose, 2 and 4 weeks after the first dose, or 2 and 4 weeks plus 6 months after the first dose. Your doctor should tell you what your personal schedule is.

You might also need booster doses, usually at 6-month or 12-month intervals.

Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions. This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

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

Some foods and medicines can affect how the anthrax vaccine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:

Blood thinner (including warfarin) Medicine that weakens your immune system, including a steroid, cancer medicine, or radiation treatment

When Not To Use

This vaccine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to the anthrax vaccine, or if you are pregnant.

Warnings

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have bleeding problems, a weak immune system, or a history of anthrax infection. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to rubber, latex, aluminum, benzethonium chloride, or formaldehyde.

This vaccine is not a treatment for an anthrax infection. You will need additional medicine if you have already been infected.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

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, red skin rash

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

Headache

Muscle aches or tiredness

Pain, redness, tenderness, swelling, itching, or a lump where the shot was given, or limited arm movement

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.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Biothrax

There may be other brand names for this medicine.