Hepatitis A vaccine, inactivated/hepatitis B vaccine recombinant (Injection)

Introduction:

Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated (hep-a-TYE-tis A vak-seen, in-AK-ti-vay-ted), Hepatitis B Vaccine Recombinant (hep-ah-TY-tiss B vak-seen re-KOM-bin-ant)

Prevents infection with hepatitis A and hepatitis B in adults (18 years old or older).

Brand Name(s):

Twinrix

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• This vaccine is usually given as a series of shots at three different times. If you are following the usual schedule, you will receive the second shot 1 month after the first, and the third shot 6 months later.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor or health caregiver for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Tell your doctor if you are using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®). Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicines that weaken your immune system, such as a steroid or cancer treatment. Some examples of steroids are dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, and Medrol®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have a bleeding disorder or problems with your immune system.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had a serious reaction to latex, thimerosal, or any type of vaccine.
• This vaccine will not keep you from getting sick if you have already caught hepatitis A or B. This medicine will not protect you from hepatitis C.
• Tell your doctor if you have a cold or the flu, especially if you have a fever. You may need to wait until you are well to receive this vaccine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
• Fever, chills, sore throat, or vomiting.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea or nausea.
• Headache.
• Mild redness, swelling, pain, bruising, or itching where the shot was given.
• Unusual weakness.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: