Hepatitis B Vaccines, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: hepatitis B vaccine, plasma-derived, injection; hepatitis B vaccine, yeast-derived, injection; Engerix-B; Recombivax HB

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection (shots) to provide protection against hepatitis B infection.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

If you have ever had a reaction to this or other vaccinations, tell your health care provider. Also, tell your health care provider if you have had any past vaccinations for hepatitis B.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine is given by a health care provider as a series of shots. You must have these shots as scheduled so that you will be fully protected against hepatitis. Keep all your appointments for shots.

What should I watch out for?

If you have a reaction (rash, hives, itching, tightness in your chest, trouble breathing) to any of the injections, contact your health care provider right away. If you cannot contact your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.

These injections may cause tenderness, pain, irritation on the skin, or a lump where you had the shot. If these symptoms don't go away, contact your health care provider.

These injections may make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or weak. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you are unable to contact your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives, itching, rash, tightness in your chest, swelling of your lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing).

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Flulike symptoms, chest infection, cough, body rash, facial paralysis, joint stiffness.

Other: Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, headache, runny nose.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• some immunosuppressive drugs including cortisone-type medicines
• vaccination against yellow fever (which should not be given at the same time as this vaccine)
• blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) and heparin.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.