What is the hepatitis B/hepatitis A vaccine, and what is it used for?
Hepatitis A/B vaccine is a man-made combination vaccine containing inactivated hepatitis A virus strain and non-infectious hepatitis B virus surface antigen. Inactive Hepatitis A virus combined with hepatitis B antigens stimulates the immune system to develop immunity against hepatitis A and B virus infections. The FDA approved hepatitis A/B vaccine in May 2001.
What are the side effects of hepatitis B/hepatitis A vaccine?
Side effects of hepatitis A/B vaccine are injection
The tip caps of pre-filled syringes may contain latex which can cause allergic reactions in latex-sensitive people. Serious allergic reactions, abnormal heart beats, and hair loss have also been reported.

SLIDESHOW
Symptoms of Mono: Infectious Mononucleosis Treatment See SlideshowWhat is the dosage for hepatitis B/hepatitis A vaccine?
Adults of 18 years of age or older:
- Standard dosing: Standard dosing schedule consists of 3 doses of 1 ml each. Administer 1 ml, intramuscularly on deltoid muscle, at 0, 1, and 6 months.
- Accelerated dosing: Accelerated dosing schedule consists 4 doses of 1 ml each. Administer 1 ml intramuscularly into the deltoid muscle on days 0, 7, and 21 to 30, followed by a 4th dose at month 12.
Safe and effective use of hepatitis A/B vaccine in patients younger than 18 years of age has not been established.
Which drugs interact with hepatitis B/hepatitis A vaccine?
Hepatitis A/B vaccine vaccines should not be used with medications and therapies that suppress the immune system such as adalimumab (Humira), belimumab (Benlysta), cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), azathioprine (Imuran), irradiation, and high doses of steroids because suppressing the immune system reduces the effectiveness of hepatitis A/B vaccine.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies done on hepatitis A/B vaccine to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women. Hepatitis A/B vaccine should be given to pregnant women only if clearly needed.
It is not known whether hepatitis A/B vaccine enters breast milk; therefore, it is best to be cautious before using it when you are breastfeeding.
What else should I know about hepatitis B/hepatitis A vaccine?
What preparations of hepatitis B/hepatitis A vaccine are available?
PREPARATIONS:
- Hepatitis A/B vaccine is available as sterile, preservative-free, intramuscular injections.
- Hepatitis A/B vaccine injections are available in 1 ml single-dose vials and 1 ml single-dose pre-filled disposable syringes.
- Each 1 ml dose of vaccine contains 720 ELISA Units of inactivated Hepatitis A virus and 20 mcg of recombinant Hepatitis B antigen protein.
How should I keep hepatitis B/hepatitis A vaccine stored?
Store hepatitis A/B vaccine under refrigeration between 2 C and 8 C (36 F and 46 F). Do not freeze hepatitis A/B vaccine vaccines and discard if they have been frozen.
Summary
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B (recombinant) vaccine (Twinrix) is a vaccine prescribed to immunize adults 18 years old of age or older against hepatitis A and all types of hepatitis B infections. Side effects, drug interactions, dosing, storage, and pregnancy safety should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
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Related Disease Conditions
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Hepatitis (Viral Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, G)
Hepatitis is most often viral, due to infection with one of the hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, E, F (not confirmed), and G) or another virus (such as those that cause infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus disease). The main nonviral causes of hepatitis are alcohol and drugs. Many patients infected with hepatitis A, B, and C have few or no symptoms of illness. For those who do develop symptoms of viral hepatitis, the most common are flu-like symptoms including: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, weakness, tiredness, and aching in the abdomen. Treatment of viral hepatitis is dependent on the type of hepatitis.
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in women include gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, and HPV infection (genital warts). Learn about types, symptoms, and treatment.
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What Does it Mean If You Have Urobilinogen in Your Urine?
Urobilinogen is a substance that is produced when bilirubin, a waste product produced by the breakdown of red blood cells, is processed in the liver and released into the intestine. Excess urobilinogen in urine may indicate liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver damage. It is caused by drugs, toxic substances, or conditions associated with increased red blood cell destruction (hemolytic anemia). In a person with low urine urobilinogen and/or signs of liver dysfunction, it can be indicative of hepatic or biliary obstruction.
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Hepatitis C (HCV, Hep C)
Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver due to the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is usually spread by blood transfusion, hemodialysis, and needle sticks, especially with intravenous drug abuse. Symptoms of chronic hepatitis include fatigue, fever, muscle aches, loss of appetite, and fever. Chronic hepatitis C may be cured in most individuals with drugs that target specific genomes of hepatitis C.
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Burns
Burn types are based on their severity: first-degree burns, second-degree burns, and third-degree burns. First-degree burns are similar to a painful sunburn. The damage is more severe with second-degree burns, leading to blistering and more intense pain. The skin turns white and loses sensation with third-degree burns. Burn treatment depends upon the burn location, total burn area, and intensity of the burn.
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What’s Worse, Hepatitis A, B, or C?
Because there is no vaccination available against hepatitis C, hepatitis C is often considered worse than hepatitis A or B.
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Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma)
Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) is a rare type of cancer that arises from cells that line the drainage system from the liver and gallbladder to the intestine. Symptoms and signs of bile duct cancer include jaundice, itching, weight loss, and abdominal pain. Physical examination, specialized blood tests, and imaging tests may be used to diagnose bile duct cancer. Treatment for bile duct cancer may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and photodynamic therapy. Bile duct cancer typically has a poor prognosis. Preventing liver damage may decrease the risk of developing bile duct cancer.
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Hepatitis B (HBV, Hep B)
The hepatitis B virus (HBV, hep B) is a unique, coated DNA virus belonging to the Hepadnaviridae family of viruses. The course of the virus is determined primarily by the age at which the infection is acquired and the interaction between the virus and the body's immune system. Successful treatment is associated with a reduction in liver injury and fibrosis (scarring), a decreased likelihood of developing cirrhosis and its complications, including liver cancer, and a prolonged survival.
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How Long Can a Person Live After Being Diagnosed With Hepatitis C (Hep C)?
Hepatitis C is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. The impact of hepatitis C on lifespan is dependent on how the disease progresses and the effectiveness of timely treatment.
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Hepatitis C Cure (Symptoms, Transmission, Treatments, and Cost)
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. There are a variety of toxins, diseases, illicit drugs, medications, bacterial and viral infections, and heavy alcohol use can case inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis C viral infection (HCV) is one type of hepatitis. According to the CDC, in 2014 there were an estimated 30,500 cases of acute hepatitis C infections in the US. An estimated 2.7-3.9 million people in the US have chronic hepatitis C. The virus is spread from person-to-person via blood-to-blood contact. Symptoms of HCV infection include joint pain, jaundice, dark urine, nausea, fatigue, fever, loss of appetites, clay colored stool. Hepatitis C can be cured with medications in most people. There is no vaccine against the hepatitis C virus.
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Is Hepatitis Contagious?
Hepatitis means "inflammation of the liver," and there are several different types of such as A, B, C, D, and E. Some types of hepatitis are contagious and some types are not. Hepatitis symptoms vary upon the type of disease; however, the following symptoms may develop in someone with hepatitis: fatigue, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and discomfort, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), and loss of appetite. Treatment for hepatitis depends upon the cause. Some types of hepatitis have a vaccine to prevent spread of disease such as hepatitis A and B.
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Is Hepatitis B Contagious?
Hepatitis B is a type of liver infection. Hepatitis B is spread through person-to-person contact or through personal items like razors, toothbrushes, etc. Symptoms of hepatitis B include fever, yellowish skin (jaundice), dark urine, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. There is no drug to cure hepatitis B; however, there is a hepatitis B vaccine available.
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Hepatitis A and B Vaccinations
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are the two most commnon viruses that infect the liver. Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B can be prevented and treated with immunizations (vaccinations) such as Havrix, Vaqta, Twinrix, Comvax, Pediarix, and hepatitis b immune globulin (HBIG).
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Is Hepatitis C Contagious?
Hepatitis C or hep C causes acute and chronic liver disease. Hep C is a form of liver disease with symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, nausea and vomiting, anorexia, and abdominal discomfort. Hepatitis C is a contagious viral infection caused by people sharing drug needles, surgical instruments that have not been properly sanitized, and organ transplantation.
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Is Hepatitis A Contagious?
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A is one type of hepatitis. Hepatitis is transmitted through person to person contact, contaminated ice, vegetables, fruits, and untreated water. Hepatitis A can be prevented by the hepatitis A vaccine. Symptoms of hepatitis A may include nausea and/or vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowish color to skin and/or eyes, or joint pain.
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Can Alcoholic Hepatitis Be Cured?
Liver damage from mild alcoholic hepatitis can usually be cured by complete abstinence from alcohol and lifestyle changes. Learn about symptoms, treatment, and survival rates.
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Can Alcoholic Hepatitis Be Reversed?
While mild alcoholic hepatitis may be reversed, once it reaches the stage of liver cirrhosis, it is irreversible. After diagnosis, abstaining from alcohol can improve your lifespan.
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Hepatitis E Viral Infection
Hepatitis E (hep E) is a type of hepatitis viral infection that includes hepatitis A, B, C, D, F, which is caused by the hepatitis E virus. Usually, you get (transmitted) hepatitis E from eating or drinking dirty or contaminated water. Hepatitis E can be very serious, especially if a woman is pregnant. Up to ΒΌ of women who are pregnant with the hep E virus can die from the infection. The signs and symptoms of hepatitis E infection are nausea and vomiting, brown or dark urine, stool changes jaundice (yellow eyes and skin), pain in the right side of the abdomen, dark or brown urine, and light-colored stool. Some people with hep E don’t have any symptoms so they don’t know that they are contagious. It takes about 6 weeks to recover from hep E. A person who has any type of hepatitis, including hepatitis E, should not drink any alcohol. Hep E complications are rare, but when they do occur they include severe (“fulminant”) hepatitis, liver failure, and death. Currently, no specific drugs or treatments are available for hepatitis E. Moreover, the only hepatitis E vaccine currently is available in China. Avoid alcohol, keep hydrated, and getting rest are home remedies for hepatitis E. Talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter (medications), especially those containing acetaminophen (Tylenol and others). Usually, the prognosis and life expectancy for hepatitis E after recovery is good. Most people do not have long term liver problems from the infection.
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What Causes Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. It can occur due to a variety of factors, but the most common cause is a virus infection. The types of hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) and can have fatal complications. Early diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle modification can slow or inhibit the progression of the disease and reduce complications.
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How Long Can You Live With Hepatitis A?
Acute illness of hepatitis A typically subsides within two months; however, it may last for up to six months in more severe cases.
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Pregnancy (STDs)
When you are pregnant, many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be especially harmful to you and your baby. These STDs include herpes, HIV/AIDS, genital warts (HPV), hepatitis B, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Symptoms include bumps, sores, warts, swelling, itching, or redness in the genital region. Treatment of STDs while pregnant depends on how far along you are in the pregnancy and the progression of the infection.
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What Is HCV Positive? Symptoms and Causes
HCV positive (reactive) is an interpretation of the results of the HCV antibody test that may mean the following.
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Hepatitis Vaccines for Hepatitis B and C
Hepatitis is a family of viruses that infect the liver. There are vaccines for hepatitis A and B infections, but not for hepatitis C.
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Is Hepatitis B HBV Curable?
While there is no permanent cure for hepatitis B, 90 percent of adults infected with the virus ultimately recover from their symptoms within a few months.
-
Is HBV the Same as Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is caused by HBV, or the hepatitis B virus. Learn about transmission, diagnosis, phases of infection, and treatment options.
-
What Happens If You Have Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a term used to describe inflammation or swelling of the liver. Chronic liver infection and inflammation could damage the liver parenchyma (tissue) and lead to complications.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Hepatitis C FAQs
- Hepatitis A FAQs
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- Drugs: The Most Common Medication Errors
- Medication Disposal
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- Hepatitis C: Nightmare in Vegas
- IBS, GERD, Hepatitis C: Doctors Dialogue
- How common is Hepatitis C?
- How is diagnosis of Hepatitis C made?
- Hepatitis C : Can it be sexually transmitted?
- Hepatitis C: What blood tests?
- Hepatitis C genotypes
- Hepatitis C Treatments
- Hepatitis C: Most effective treatment
- Hepatitis C: Reasons for treating
- Hepatitis C: Interferon/ribavarin side effects
- Hepatitis C: Good candidates for treatment
- Do you treat hepatitis C patients with normal liver tests?
- Hepatitis C: Not Good Candidates for Treatment?
- Hepatitis C: Diet and Vitamins
- Hepatitis C: Should patients receive immunizations
- Hepatitis C treatment relapse
- What to do for relapsers after hepatitis C treatment?
- Hepatitis C: What is unique about hepatitis C?
- Can You Be Allergic to Ceclor for Hepatitis B?
- Can You Treat Hepatitis B With Aids Drug Lamivudine?
- Does Hepatitis B Cause Liver Cancer?
- What Kind of Doctor Do I See for Hepatitis C?
- Can The Hepatitis C Virus Survive Outside the Body?
- Generic Drugs, Are They as Good as Brand-Names?
Medications & Supplements
- hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix, Vaqta)
- hepatitis b vaccine (Recombivax HB)
- Twinrix (hepatitis A/B vaccine)
- hepatitis B vaccine
- Side Effects of Recombivax HB (hepatitis B vaccine)
- Side Effects of Havrix, Vaqta (Hepatitis A vaccine)
- What Vaccines Are Given in Childhood?
- immune globulin IM (IGIM)
- Side Effects of Viekira Pak (dasabuvir, ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir)
- haemophilus b/hepatitis b vaccine - injection, Comvax
Prevention & Wellness
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