GENERIC NAME: HEPATITIS-B/HEPATITIS-A VACCINE - INJECTABLE (hep-uh-TIE-tuss B/hep-uh-TIE-tuss A vack-SEEN)
BRAND NAME(S): Twinrix
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This combination medication is a vaccine given to persons over 18 years of age to prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B infection. These are serious viral infections that cause swelling of the liver; they are very contagious. This vaccine is recommended for people at increased risk for contacting these infections. Those at increased risk include: health care workers, laboratory workers handling blood or bodily fluid specimens; institutional or day care workers; military personnel; police, fire, and emergency medical personnel; hemophiliacs; household members or those with intimate contact with persons infected with hepatitis A or B; people with liver disease, people with multiple sex partners; men having sex with men; prostitutes; IV drug abusers; and persons traveling to high risk areas. This vaccine will not prevent hepatitis caused by other sources (e.g., hepatitis C or other pathogens).
HOW TO USE: Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Shake the vial/syringe well before use. The vaccine should appear as a cloudy white suspension. Check the product visually for any unusual particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Inject 1 ml of this medication into a muscle (IM) preferably in the upper arm (deltoid region) as directed by your doctor. Do not inject into the buttocks region. Discard any unused portion of the vial/syringe. Your dose should be repeated one month and 6 months after the first dose (total of 3 doses). If you are unclear about your dosing schedule, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, pain/redness/swelling/itching at the injection site, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: fever, dizziness, rash, stomach/abdominal pain, trouble breathing. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusually fast heartbeat, seizures, hair loss, loss of consciousness, tingling or numbness of the face/hands/feet, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, vision changes, unusual bruising or bleeding. An allergic reaction to this vaccine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) - Learn and become aware of common STDs in women, including descriptions, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of each type of infection.
- Hepatitis C - Read about hepatitis C, a viral infection of the liver. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle aches, poor appetite, fever, jaundice, and easy bruising. Causes, diagnosis, and treatment information is provided in the information.
- Hepatitis B - Read about hepatitis B, a virus spread through infected blood or body secretions (blood, semen, vaginal discharge, breast milk, and saliva). Symptoms, diagnosis, and treamtent information is included in the article.
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