GENERIC NAME: HEPATITIS B VACCINE - INJECTION (hep-uh-TIE-tuss B vack-SEEN)
BRAND NAME(S): Engerix-B, Recombivax HB
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This vaccine causes the body to produce protective levels of hepatitis B antibodies which will protect against infection from hepatitis B virus. This vaccine is recommended for persons of all ages, especially those at an increased risk of getting the infection. Those at an increased risk include health care personnel; laboratory workers handling blood and patient specimens; police, fire and emergency medical personnel who render first aid treatment; hemophiliacs; household and intimate contacts of persons with persistent hepatitis B infections; persons with multiple sex partners; homosexuals; prostitutes; IV drug abusers; persons traveling to high risk areas.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given by a health care professional as an injection into the thigh or upper arm muscle. A schedule of three to four doses are usually given over a six to twelve month period. Your doctor will provide you with a vaccination schedule which must be followed closely in order to be most effective. If you have an infection at the time a vaccination is scheduled, your doctor may choose to delay the vaccination until you are better.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause irritation, redness, swelling, warmth, itching, bruising or pain at the injection site. Other side effects include headache, weakness, fatigue, sore throat, fever, nausea, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, general body discomfort. If these symptoms continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience any of the following after vaccination with this medication: tingling of the hands or feet, trouble moving, stiffness, skin rash, difficulty breathing, chest pain, vision problems. 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.
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