Anthrax vaccine adsorbed Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 1, 2023.

Applies to anthrax vaccine adsorbed: suspension.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, anthrax vaccine adsorbed 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

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]