Drugs & Vitamins

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Vaccine Active Ingredients: Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Vaccine Representative Names: Twinrix What is hepatitis A vaccine, inactivated; hepatitis B vaccine, recombinant? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with hepatitis A and B vaccine? What side effects may I notice from receiving hepatitis A and B vaccine? What should I watch for while taking hepatitis A and B vaccine? Where can I keep my medicine? What is hepatitis A vaccine, inactivated; hepatitis B vaccine, recombinant? (Back to top) HEPATITIS A VACCINE, INACTIVATED; HEPATITIS B VACCINE, RECOMBINANT (Twinrix®) protects against an infection with the hepatitis A and B virus. Both hepatitis A and B virus can seriously affect the liver. Hepatitis A virus is common in countries where there is poor sanitation and low standards of hygiene. Hepatitis A is passed by personal contact; through drinking infected water; eating infected food (especially raw or undercooked seafood); or by contact with infected blood or high-risk sexual activity (especially homosexually active males). Hepatitis B virus may be spread by infected mothers to their babies at birth, through sexual activity, and by contact with infected blood or by the sharing of needles. Some persons are at higher risk for Hepatitis A and B infection, so ask your health care prescriber about your need for this vaccine. A series of three injections to normally healthy persons usually provides protection against the hepatitis A and B virus for at least 5 years. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •an immune deficiency (natural or due to cancer chemotherapy, radiation, or steroid therapy) •blood disease or bleeding disorder •fever or infection •an unusual or allergic reaction to vaccines, yeast, thimerosal, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Hepatitis A and B vaccine is only for injection into a muscle. It is usually given by a health-care professional in a hospital, clinic or prescriber's office. The use of this vaccine must be officially recorded. Federal law requires that the manufacturer's name and lot number; name, address, and phone number of the person giving the vaccine; and the date of administration be recorded in the patient's permanent medical record. Your health care professional will give you an informational paper on the hepatitis A and B vaccine at the time of the vaccination. Be sure to read this information. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. Try to remember that for your initial immunization, the vaccine needs to be given 3 times. You will receive it at the first doctor visit, then 1 and 6 months later. What drug(s) may interact with hepatitis A and B vaccine? (Back to top) •immune globulins •medicines that lower your ability to fight off infections (such as chemotherapy, prednisone or cyclosporine) Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving hepatitis A and B vaccine? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •confusion •difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing •difficulty swallowing •extreme irritability •seizures (convulsions) •severe rash, itching (hives) •swelling of eyes or face •high fever (103 degrees F or more) •joint aches and pains •numbness in the arms or legs •severe headache •unusual tiredness or weakness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •diarrhea •headache •low-grade fever (102 degrees F or less) •muscle aches and pains •pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling at the injection site •skin rash or itching •sore throat •loss of appetite •nausea •loss of energy What should I watch for while taking hepatitis A and B vaccine? (Back to top) Be sure to return to your health care provider to receive all of your injections. If you do not return for your follow-up injections, you may not obtain adequate protection against the hepatitis A and/or B virus. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) This vaccine will be administered in the clinic or office of a health care professional. You will not be given vaccine doses to store at home. Last Updated:08/02/2001 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.