ACAM2000 and Binosto

• Generic Name: smallpox vaccine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names:

If you are at a high risk for being exposed to smallpox, you should be vaccinated even if you have health problems, unless you have certain problems with your immune system. People who have health problems may have a higher chance of getting serious side effects from vaccination but are also those who have a higher chance of dying from the smallpox disease. ACAM2000 may cause serious heart problems called myocarditis and pericarditis, or swelling of the heart tissues. In studies, about 1 in every 175 persons who got the vaccine for the first time may have experienced myocarditis and/or pericarditis. On rare occasions these conditions can result in an irregular heart beat and death. Your chances of getting heart problems from the vaccine are lower if you have already had this vaccine before. You can have myocarditis and/or pericarditis even if you have no symptoms. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you have: chest pain or pressure fast or irregular heartbeat breathing problems See "What are the possible side effects of ACAM2000?" Because the vaccine has a live virus, it can spread to other parts of your body or to other people if you touch the vaccination site and then touch other parts of your body or other people. The vaccine virus can spread until the vaccination scab falls off (2 to 4 weeks after vaccination). If the virus is spread to a person who should not get the vaccine, the side effects can be very serious and life-threatening. See "How do I care for the smallpox vaccination site?"

ACAM2000 is a prescription vaccine used to protect people against smallpox disease. It is for use in people who have a high chance of getting the disease.

ACAM2000 contains live vaccinia virus (a "pox"-type virus) to protect against smallpox disease.

• Generic Name: alendronate
• Dosage Forms: tablet, effervescent
• Other Brand Names: Binosto, Fosamax

Binosto (alendronate) is a bisphosphonate (bis FOS fo nayt) medicine that alters bone formation and breakdown in the body. This can slow bone loss and may help prevent bone fractures.

Binosto is used in women to treat osteoporosis caused by menopause.

Binosto is also used to increase bone mass in men who have osteoporosis.