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This medication is used to help prevent serious, sometimes fatal, infections caused by a certain bacteria (Bacillus anthracis) in high-risk people (such as military personnel, laboratory workers who handle the bacteria Bacillus anthracis).
This vaccine contains parts from Bacillus anthracis. It works by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the bacteria.
How to use anthrax vaccine IM
Read the Vaccine Information Statement available from your health care provider before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, consult your health care provider.
This vaccine is given by injection into a muscle by a health care professional. It is usually given as a series of 3 doses (1 and 6 months after the first dose), followed by booster shots at 12 and 18 months after the first dose, or as directed by your doctor.
This vaccine may also be given under the skin for certain people (such as people with clotting disorders, people taking \"blood thinners\"), although this may increase the risk of side effects. When given under the skin, this vaccine is usually given as a series of 4 doses (2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 months after the first dose), followed by booster shots at 12 and 18 months after the first dose, or as directed by your doctor.
Follow the dosing schedule closely for the vaccine to be most effective. To help you remember, mark your calendar to keep track of when to receive your next dose.
You will need a yearly booster dose if you still remain at risk for anthrax. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Pain/redness/swelling at the injection site, limited arm movement, muscle ache, headache, or tiredness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US, you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before receiving this vaccine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to latex; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before receiving this vaccination, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: current fever/illness, immune system problems (such as HIV infection), bleeding disorders (such as hemophilia, thrombocytopenia).
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.
To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor\'s approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: \"blood thinners\" (such as warfarin), chemotherapy, corticosteroids (such as prednisone, dexamethasone), drugs that weaken the immune system (such as cyclosporine, efalizumab, tacrolimus).
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES:
As with any vaccine, this vaccine may not fully protect everyone who receives it.
MISSED DOSE:
It is important that you receive each vaccination as scheduled. Be sure to ask when each dose should be received, and make a note on a calendar to help you remember.
STORAGE:
Not applicable. This vaccine is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.
Information last revised June 2012. Copyright(c) 2012 First Databank, Inc.
