Hepatitis B Immune Serum Globulin, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: immune serum globulin

Generic and brand names: hepatitis B immune serum globulin, injection; H-BIG; Hep-B-Gammagee; HyperHep

What is this medicine used for?

These injections provide immunity to hepatitis B (a viral liver disease.) The immunity takes effect quickly, but lasts only 1 to 3 months.

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

Tell your health care provider if you have any other medical conditions such as cancer, autoimmune disease, tuberculosis, bleeding disorders, or fever.

Be sure to tell your health care provider if you have ever had a reaction to an immunization in the past.

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

How do I use it?

These injections are given by your health care provider. Some are given in the hospital.

Some immunizations require more than one injection over a period of time. Be sure to have the recommended number of shots on schedule.

What should I watch out for?

If you have a reaction to this medicine (hives, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, chest tightness, or other ill feelings), contact your health care provider right away.

You may feel tenderness, pain, or muscle stiffness where you had the shot. This may last for several hours.

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 reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, chest tightness, trouble breathing).

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Black, bloody, or tarry stools; lower back or side pain; pinpoint red spots on the skin; problems urinating or urinating less often; unusual bleeding or bruising.

Other: Tenderness, pain, or muscle stiffness where the shot was given; headache; joint pain; tiredness;

What products might interact with this medicine?

Check with your health care provider before having any live-virus vaccinations (such as flu shots) within 3 months of this immunization. This medicine may interfere with your response to other vaccines.

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.