Vaxchora
Generic name:cholera vaccine [ KOL-er-a-vak-SEEN ]
Drug class:Bacterial vaccines
What is Vaxchora?
Cholera is a bacterial infection that can cause severe, life-threatening diarrhea. Cholera is caused by coming into contact with water or food contaminated by feces infected with Vibrio cholerae bacteria.
This vaccine works by exposing you to a small dose of live cholera bacteria, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.
Vaxchora is for use in people ages 2 through 64 years old.
Like any vaccine, the Vaxchora may not provide protection from disease in every person.
Warnings
For at least 2 weeks after you receive this vaccine, wash your hands often, especially after using the restroom or handling food.
Before taking this medicine
You should not receive this vaccine if you have had an allergic reaction to any Vaxchora you received in the past.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine); or
anyone in your household has a weak immune system.
Because the Vaxchora is not absorbed into the bloodstream, it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby if you receive the vaccine during pregnancy. However, avoid receiving a this medicine within 7 days before your expected delivery date.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of cholera vaccine on the baby.
Because the Vaxchora is not absorbed into the bloodstream, it is not expected to be harmful to a nursing baby.
Vaxchora is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old or older than 64 years old.
How is Vaxchora given?
Vaxchora is usually given orally (by mouth) as a single dose. This vaccine is a powder that is mixed with water before you take it. You will receive this mixture in a clinic or other healthcare setting.
Follow your doctor's instructions about receiving a booster dose if needed.
The timing of this vaccination is very important for it to be effective. For best protection against cholera, this vaccine should be given at least 10 days before you travel to a cholera-affected area.
For at least 2 weeks after you receive Vaxchora, wash your hands often, especially after using the restroom or handling food.
While traveling in a cholera-affected area, avoid drinking water or soft drinks that are not from sealed bottles or cans. Avoid ice cubes that were not made from bottled water. Use bottled water while brushing your teeth, and when preparing food or cleaning areas where food is prepared and served.
If bottled wa...
