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.