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 help prevent getting the infection after being
exposed to the bacteria. This vaccine works by increasing the body's
natural defense (immunity) against the bacteria.
Vaccines may not fully protect everyone who receives
them.
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 product, 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. 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 vaccine 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 vaccine do not have
serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this vaccine 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 if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex), which can
cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your health care
professional for more details.
Before receiving this vaccine, 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)
- vaccination history (including previous reactions to any
vaccines)
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
are:
- drugs that weaken the immune system (including cyclosporine,
tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as
prednisone)
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Keep vaccine records for yourself and your children and
provide them to the health care professionals to prevent unnecessary
re-vaccinations.
It is important that you get each vaccination as
scheduled. Ask when you should get each dose and mark your calendar with a
reminder. If you miss a dose, call the health care professional to
reschedule.
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.