Note: This document contains side effect information about anthrax vaccine adsorbed. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Biothrax.
Applies to anthrax vaccine adsorbed: suspension.
Serious side effects of Biothrax
Along with its needed effects, anthrax vaccine adsorbed (the active ingredient contained in Biothrax) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking anthrax vaccine adsorbed:
More common
- Pain, redness, tenderness, or limited movement of the arm where the injection is given
Less common
- Swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
Incidence not known
- Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- chills
- cough
- diarrhea
- difficulty with swallowing
- dizziness
- fainting
- fast heartbeat
- hives or welts, skin rash
- joint or muscle pain
- large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- red skin lesions, often with a purple center
- red, irritated eyes
- redness of the skin
- shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
- shortness of breath
- sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
- trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Other side effects of Biothrax
Some side effects of anthrax vaccine adsorbed may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Headache
- muscle aches and pains
Incidence not known
- Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
- dark-colored urine
- difficulty with moving
- feeling of warmth
- hair loss or thinning of the hair
- muscle cramps or spasms
- muscle pain or stiffness
- nausea
- redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
- swollen joints
- trouble sleeping
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to anthrax vaccine adsorbed: injectable suspension, subcutaneous suspension.
General
The most common adverse events were injection site reactions (tenderness, pain, erythema, edema, arm motion limitation), muscle aches, headache, and fatigue.[Ref]
Local
Very common (10% or more): Tenderness (72%), erythema (71%), warmth (51%), induration (40%), edema (46%), nodule (42%), itching (26%), arm motion limitation (15%)
Common (1% to 10%): Bruise
Postmarketing reports: Lump[Ref]
Nervous system
Very common (10% or more): Headache (11%)
Postmarketing reports: Paresthesia syncope, dizziness, tremor, ulnar nerve neuropathy[Ref]
Other
Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (13%)
Postmarketing reports: Malaise, pain, cellulitis, flu-like symptoms[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Common (1% to 10%): Muscle ache, tender/painful axillary adenopathy
Postmarketing reports: Myalgia, arthralgia, arthropathy, rhabdomyolysis[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Postmarketing reports: Allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis, angioedema, rash, urticaria, erythema multiforme, anaphylactoid reactions, and Stevens Johnson syndrome)[Ref]
Dermatologic
Postmarketing reports: Skin hyperpigmentation, alopecia, pruritus, rash, urticaria[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Postmarketing reports: Nausea[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Postmarketing reports: Flushing[Ref]
Psychiatric
Postmarketing reports: Insomnia[Ref]
