ACAM2000

Generic name: Small pox vaccine

What is ACAM2000?

ACAM2000 is a prescription vaccine used to protect people against small pox disease. It is for use in people who have a high chance of getting the disease. It contains live vaccinia virus.

What is the most important information I should know about ACAM2000?

If you are at high risk of being exposed to small pox, you should be vaccinated even if you have health problems, unless you have certain problems with your immune system. This vaccine may cause serious heart problems called myocarditis and pericarditis, or swelling of the heart tissue. Call your doctor or get emergency help if you experience chest pain or pressure, fast or irregular heart beat, or breathing problems. ACAM2000 is a live virus and can spread to a person who should not receive it. Side effects can be very serious and life threatening.

Who should not take ACAM2000?

Your health care provider may not give you ACAM2000 if you have problems with your immune system. You may have immune system problems if you have any of the following: leukemia or lymphoma; a bone marrow or organ transplant; cancer that has spread; HIV or AIDS; cellular or humoral immune deficiency; are being treated with radiation; or are being treated with steroids, prednisone, or cancer drugs.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of ACAM2000?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with ACAM2000. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have immune system problems such as leukemia or lymphoma, or if you have had a bone marrow or organ transplant, have cancer that is spread, HIV, AIDS, cellular or humoral immune deficiency, or if you are being treated with radiation, steroids, prednisone, cancer drugs, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

The usual dosage is 0.0025 mL as a single injection.

How should I take ACAM2000?

ACAM2000 should be injected by your nurse or doctor by the percutaneous route (scarification). Your health care provider will make 15 pokes in the skin of your upper arm with a needle containing ACAM2000. The pokes are not deep but will cause a drop of blood to form. This is called the vaccination site. People at high risk should receive repeat vaccination every 3 years.

What should I avoid while taking ACAM2000?

For 4 weeks after getting the vaccination and until the vaccination site has healed, you should avoid getting pregnant, handling babies or breastfeeding, swimming or hot tub use, donating blood, and tuberculin testing. Avoid rubbing, scratching, or touching the vaccination site. Until the scab has fallen off, do not have contact with people who should not receive the vaccine. Do not share a bed, clothes, towels, linens or toiletries with unvaccinated people.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with ACAM2000?

If ACAM2000 is received with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining ACAM2000 with corticosteroids or drugs that lower immunity.

What are the possible side effects of ACAM2000?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: accidental infection of the eye; fever; headache; pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; problems with the vaccination site blister, such as infection; severe allergic reaction; sore arm; swelling of the brain or spinal cord; swollen lymph nodes

The vaccine may cause serious heart problems called myocarditis and pericarditis or swelling of the heart tissue. Call your doctor or get emergency help if you experience chest pain or pressure, fast or irregular heart beat, or breathing problems. The vaccine is a live virus and can spread to a person who should not receive the vaccine. Side effects can be very serious and life threatening.

Can I receive ACAM2000 if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Avoid receiving ACAM2000 during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor before receiving this drug if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of ACAM2000?

ACAM2000 is given as a single dose.

How should I store ACAM2000?

Your healthcare provider will store this medication.