Anthrax vaccine
Generic name: anthrax vaccine [ ANTH-rax-vax-EEN ]
Brand name: Biothrax
Dosage form: injectable suspension (-)
Drug class:Bacterial vaccines
What is anthrax vaccine?
Anthrax is a serious disease that can spread quickly throughout the body and it is fatal in a high number of cases, especially when acquired through the lungs.
Anthrax vaccine is used to help prevent anthrax disease in adults. Anthrax vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.
Anthrax vaccine is used before exposure in people who may come into contact with anthrax bacteria in certain work settings, while traveling, or during military service. Anthrax vaccine is used together with antibiotics after exposure in people who have already come into contact with anthrax bacteria.
This vaccine works by exposing you to an antigen protein that causes your body to develop immunity to the disease. Anthrax vaccine does not contain live or killed forms of the bacteria that causes anthrax.
Like any vaccine, the anthrax vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.
Warnings
Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.
Before taking this medicine
You should not receive this vaccine if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to an anthrax vaccine.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
an allergy to latex, aluminum hydroxide, benzothonium chloride, or formaldehyde;
a weak immune system caused by receiving certain medicines such as steroids, chemotherapy or radiation; or
May harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of anthrax vaccine on the baby.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using anthrax vaccine.
How is anthrax vaccine given?
This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle or under the skin.
Anthrax vaccine is recommended before exposure for adults age 18 through 65 in the following situations:
people who handle anthrax bacteria in a laboratory or other work setting;
people who handle animal hides or furs imported from areas where anthrax is common;
people who handle meat or other animal products in areas where anthrax is common;
