Rapid Message Testing With Consumer Panel - Medical Countermeasure Messages

FOR TESTING PURPOSES ONLY:
This is NOT a real emergency
Anthrax has been released in your neighborhood. Not everyone in your neighborhood will be affected
by this anthrax release.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
and other federal, state, and local agencies and health departments to provide you accurate information
about this emergency. We will provide you with additional information as it becomes available.
Below is some information that can help you know if you or your family members should seek medical
attention and about the antibiotic medicine being used during this emergency to treat anthrax
exposure, which is called minocycline hydrochloride.
How do I know if I need treatment?
•

Listen to official public health announcements on TV, radio, or the Internet for information
about who should be checked by a health care professional.

•

If you were in your neighborhood when anthrax was released, you should get checked out
immediately by a health care professional even if you do not feel ill.

•

Contact a health care professional or go to an emergency room right away if you think you have
been exposed to anthrax even if you don’t feel ill. Officials may also set up emergency centers
where people who may have been exposed can get checked.

•

People who have symptoms may need immediate hospital care in addition to medicines,
including minocycline hydrochloride.

What is [minocycline hydrochloride]?
•

Minocycline hydrochloride is an antibiotic that kills anthrax bacteria. It is one of several FDAapproved prescription medicines that can be used to treat anthrax.

•

Minocycline hydrochloride can also be used to prevent getting anthrax disease after exposure to
anthrax bacteria.

•

Minocycline hydrochloride comes in different strengths and forms, including pills, liquid, and
needle injections.

•

A health care professional must prescribe minocycline hydrochloride.

•

The dose and form of minocycline hydrochloride may vary depending on what is known about
the emergency and your medical condition.

•

Some brand names for minocycline hydrochloride include Arestin, Minocin, Solodyn, and
Ximino.

FOR TESTING PURPOSES ONLY:
This is NOT a real emergency
What are the symptoms of exposure to anthrax that I should look for?
• Symptoms of exposure to anthrax vary depending on whether it enters the body through the
lungs or skin, or it is ingested through contaminated food or drinks.
• When anthrax enters the body by being inhaled through the lungs, symptoms are often similar
to the flu.

•

o

Flu-like symptoms from exposure to anthrax include fever, cough, and muscle aches.

o

Flu-like symptoms from exposure to anthrax may progress to severe breathing
problems.

o

When anthrax enters the body through the lungs, symptoms typically appear within 1 to
7 days after exposure.

When anthrax enters the body through a cut on the skin, symptoms may include small blisters
that look like an insect bite.
o

Blisters from exposure to anthrax can develop into an ulcer with a black center and
swelling.

o

Blisters from exposure to anthrax are often not painful.

o

When anthrax enters the body through the skin, symptoms typically appear 1 to 7 days
after exposure.

•

When anthrax is ingested through food or drinks contaminated with anthrax, symptoms may
include nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea and stomach pain.

•

Seek medical care immediately after exposure to anthrax if you develop any of these symptoms.

•

You can find more information about the symptoms of exposure to anthrax at
www.cdc.gov/anthrax.

What are the possible side effects of taking minocycline hydrochloride?
•
•

Possible side effects of taking minocycline hydrochloride include nausea, diarrhea, mild
headaches, and skin sensitivity to sunlight.
Serious side effects from taking minocycline hydrochloride are uncommon but include allergic
reactions, unusual bleeding or bruising, liver damage, and persistent nausea or vomiting.
o

Allergic reactions can include trouble breathing; rashes; and swelling of the lips,
tongue, or face.

o

Yellowing of the skin or eyes and dark urine may indicate liver damage.

FOR TESTING PURPOSES ONLY:
This is NOT a real emergency
• Before taking minocycline hydrochloride, tell your healthcare professional if you have a preexisting medical condition, are taking certain types of medicines, or are experiencing specific side
effects.
o

Pre-existing medical conditions include pregnancy, diabetes and heart disease.

o

Some medicines can affect or be affected by minocycline hydrochloride. For
example:


Minocycline hydrochloride may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills.



Antacids or other products that contain aluminum, calcium, magnesium, or iron
prep can decrease the effectiveness of minocycline hydrochloride.

• Contact your health care professional if you have concerns about minocycline hydrochloride or if
you experience serious side effects.
Where can I find more information?
For additional information about minocycline hydrochloride, visit or call:
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Facts About Minocycline Hydrochloride web
page at www.fda.gov/MinocyclineHydrochloride
• 1-888-INFO FDA (1-888-463-6332)
• [email protected]
For more information about anthrax or this attack, visit or call:
• The FDA Anthrax Virus Response Update web page at www.fda.gov/anthrax
• The Department of Health and Human Service website at http://www.hhs.gov
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov/anthrax
or call: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)