anthrax vaccine adsorbed 0.5 mL/dose intramuscular suspension

Generic name:
Anthrax vaccine - injection

Pronunciation
(AN-thrax vak-SEEN)

Brand name(s)
Biothrax , Cyfendus

This vaccine is used to help prevent serious, sometimes fatal, infections caused by a certain bacteria (Bacillus anthracis) in people who may be exposed to the bacteria (such as military personnel, lab workers who handle the bacteria Bacillus anthracis). It may also be used along with antibiotics to prevent getting the infection after being exposed to the bacteria.

This vaccine contains parts from Bacillus anthracis. It works by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the bacteria.

Read all vaccine information available from your health care professional before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, ask your health care professional.

This vaccine is given by injection by a health care professional. Depending on the brand and your medical condition, it may be given either under the skin or into a muscle.

Vaccines are usually given in a series of doses to provide the best protection. Closely follow the vaccination schedule provided by your health care professional. Keep all scheduled medical appointments. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.

Pain/redness/swelling at the injection site, limited arm movement, muscle ache, headache, or tiredness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your health care professional promptly.

Rarely, some people have symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, vision changes, or ringing in the ears just after getting a vaccine injection. Tell your health care professional right away if you have any of these symptoms. Sitting or lying down may help, since these symptoms usually don't last long.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your health care professional 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, get medical help right away 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 health care professional.

Contact the health care professional 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 call the Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-866-844-0018.

Before you receive this vaccine, tell the health care professional 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 health care professional for more details.

Before receiving this vaccination, tell your health care professional your medical history, especially of:

• current fever/illness
• immune system disorders (such as due to HIV infection, certain cancers such as leukemia/lymphoma, cancer or radiation treatment)

This vaccine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your health care professional for more details.

It is unknown if this vaccine passes into breast milk. Consult your health care professional before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this vaccine include:

• drugs that weaken the immune system (including cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone)

Not applicable.

As with any vaccine, this vaccine may not fully protect everyone who receives it.

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.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.