Biothrax
Biothrax is a vaccine that lowers your risk for getting anthrax from a bacteria called Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis). You can get the vaccine before you go into a setting that exposes you to B. anthracis or after you've already been exposed to the bacteria. It's given as an injection into the muscle or under the skin. This vaccine is only recommended for people who are at high risk for getting anthrax, such those who work in laboratories that study B. anthracis or certain military personnels.
What is Biothrax?
What is Biothrax used for?
- Prevention of anthrax in adults age 18 to 65 years.
How Biothrax works
Biothrax is an inactivated vaccine that protects you from B. anthracis, which is a bacteria that causes a condition known as anthrax. The vaccine helps your body's immune system make antibodies against the bacteria, which will attack the bacteria if it ever infects your body.
Drug facts
Side effects of Biothrax
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Side effects are typically more severe if you've had an anthrax infection in the past. Risk for side effects are higher with each additional Biothrax injection.
At least 10%:
- Tenderness, pain, redness, and swelling at injection site
- Limited arm motion
Less Common Side Effects
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
Biothrax serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reactions: hives, rash, shaking, itching, nausea, flushing, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain
Pros and cons of Biothrax
Pros
- Can be used before and after potential exposure to B. anthracis
- Can be given as an injection under the skin or into the muscle
Cons
- Requires frequent injections
- The stopper of the vial contains natural rubber latex, which can be a problem for people with a latex allergy
- Hasn't been studied in adults older than 65 years old
Pharmacist tips for Biothrax
- Make sure to mark the dates on your calendar of when you need to go in for all your Biothrax injections so that you stay fully protected against anthrax.
- If you're at risk for or have gotten hematomas in the past with injections into your muscle, you can ask your provider to inject Biothrax under the skin.
- The stopper of the Biothrax contains natural rubber latex. Make sure to notify the provider giving you the vaccine if you're allergic to latex.
- Wait until you're healthy to get Biothrax. This will help make sure your immune system protects you as best as it can. If you have a mild sickness, such as a cold, you might still be able to get Biothrax. But if you feel moderately to severely sick, wait until you recover before getting this vaccine. Ask your provider if you're not sure whether or not you can get this vaccine.
- Make sure to keep a record of all your immunizations and show it to your provider or pharmacist before receiving any vaccine, including Biothrax, to make sure you're receiving all your vaccines on schedule.
- Read the vaccine information statement for more information on Biothrax.
- If you experience a severe reaction to Biothrax, you or your provider can report it to the vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS) website or by calling 1-800-822-7967.
Common questions about Biothrax
Biothrax isn't for everyone. It's only recommended for people who are at high risk of exposure to B. anthracis because of their jobs, such as those working in a lab for research, handling potentially infected animals, and some military personnel and some emergency responders. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you aren't sure if you need to receive Biothrax.
Biothrax lowers your risk for anthax, which can be a life-threatening infection. Most people in the United States will never be exposed to B. anthracis, but you might be at risk if you work in certain settings, such as in a laboratory or in the military. You also might be at risk for anthrax if you travel to certain regions of Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa, central and southwestern Asia, southern and easter Europe, and the Caribbean. Ask your provider if you need to get Biothrax.
Biothrax is given as an injection into the muscle or under the skin by a healthcare provider. It's not a vaccine you can pickup at the pharmacy and give to yourself at home. You might be able to receive Biothrax at a travel clinic. If your provider recommends that you get Biothrax, check for a travel clinic location near you.
It's not known if Biothrax is safe or works well in children less than 18 years old.
Biothrax isn't recommended for pregnant women unless the benefits are greater than the risks. Biothrax has been shown to cause harm to unborn babies. If you decide to get Biothrax while pregnant after talking with your provider, you're encouraged to register in Emergent's vaccination pregnancy registry by calling 1-619-553-9255 so yours and your baby's health can monitored closely.
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Risks and warnings for Biothrax
Biothrax can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Severe allergic reactions
- Risk factors: Latex allergy | Allergic reaction to other vaccines
As with any vaccine, there's a rare chance that you might have a severe allergic reaction to Biothrax. Your risk is higher if you're allergic to latex because the stopper of the vial contains natural rubber latex. Your provider might ask you to stay at the pharmacy or clinic for a short period of time after you've received your vaccine to make sure you can get proper care in case of a serious allergic reaction. Sometimes, these reactions can happen after you've already left the clinic. Get medical help right away if you notice symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as feeling faint, swelling of the face, closing of the throat, difficulty breathing, hives or rash, dizziness, shaking, nausea, or chest pain.
Birth defects
- Risk factors: Currently pregnant
Biothrax can cause harm to unborn babies when administered to a pregnant woman. Due to this risk, it should only be given to a pregnant woman if the benefits are greater than the risks. Talk with your provider if you're pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant to see if this vaccine is an option for you.
Lower response to Biothrax
- Risk factors: Medical conditions that weaken the immune system | Taking medications that lower your immune system
Biothrax might not work as well in people with a weakened immune system. This can put you at higher risk of anthrax infection, even after you've received the vaccine. If you have any medical conditions (e.g., HIV (human immunodeficiency disease) or cancer) or take medications that weaken your immune system (e.g., high-dose corticosteroids or transplant medications), don't get Biothrax until you've talk with your provider first.
Maintain necessary precautions
Just like all vaccines, receiving Biothrax doesn't guarantee that you won't get infected with B. anthracis. For the best protection against anthrax, you should receive Biothrax as well as take all necessary precautions to avoid exposure to B. anthracis if you're exposed to it in your work setting. It's also recommended that you be aware of regulations and restrictions concerning the importation of prohibited animal products, trophies, and souvenirs. Refer to the CDC yellow book for more information.
Biothrax dosage
Typical dosage for Biothrax
Biothrax can be injected into the muscle and under the skin.
Prevention of anthrax BEFORE potential exposure to B. anthracis
- Primary series: The typical dose is 1 injection into the muscle at month 0, 1 and 6 before potential exposure. If injected under the skin, the typical dose is 1 injection at week 0, 2, 4, and month 6 before potential exposure.
- Booster series: The typical dose is 1 injection into the shoulder muscle or under the skin on the shoulder 6 and 12 months after finishing the primary series. Then, it's given every 1 year thereafter.
Prevention of anthrax AFTER exposure to B. anthracis
- Primary series: The typical dose is 1 injection under the skin on the shoulder at week 0, 2, and 4 after exposure and usually combined with antibiotics.
Biothrax contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Biothrax will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to Biothrax or inactive components (aluminum, benzethonium chloride, formaldehyde)