HEPATITIS B VACCINE

Hepatitis B vaccine prevents liver cancer and cirrhosis. It is made from hepatitis B virus parts. The vaccine cannot infect people and is normally administered as 3 or 4 doses over a period of 6 months.

Uses

The hepatitis B vaccine is used to help prevent liver cancer, cirrhosis, or death.

Warnings

Do not give this drug to people with the following conditions:

Severe allergic reaction (example anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of any hepatitis B-containing vaccine

Side Effects

Hepatitis B Vaccine may have the following side effects:

Fever
Sore throat
Headache with a severe blistering
Peeling
Red skin rash
Fussiness
Irritability
Crying for an hour or longer
Fast or pounding heartbeat
Easy bruising or bleeding
Redness
Pain
Swelling
A lump where the shot was given
Headache
Dizziness
Tired feeling
Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Constipation
Diarrhea

Precautions

Precaution

Take extra caution in patients with the following medical conditions:

Bleeding disorders including thrombocytopenia,
Altered immunocompetence (example patient receiving chemotherapy or immunosuppressants)
Concomitant use with anticoagulant (example warfarin)
Renal impairment
Children
Pregnancy
Lactation

Interactions

Hepatitis B Vaccine may interact with the following medicines:

Immunosuppressants
Anticoagulants

Overdose & Brands

If you think you have used Hepatitis B Vaccine more than the usual dosage, please seek medical help immediately.

Available Brands:

Engerix-B
Recombivax HB