RECOMBIVAX HB

Drug Name: RECOMBIVAX HB

RECOMBIVAX HB DESCRIPTION:
HEPATITIS B VACCINE - INJECTION (hep-uh-TIE-tuss B vack-SEEN)

COMMON RECOMBIVAX HB BRAND NAME(S):
Engerix-B, Recombivax HB

RECOMBIVAX HB SIDE EFFECTS:
RECOMBIVAX HB may cause irritation, redness, swelling, warmth, itching, bruising or pain at the injection site. Other side effects include headache, weakness, fatigue, sore throat, fever, nausea, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, general body discomfort. If these symptoms continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience any of the following after vaccination with RECOMBIVAX HB: tingling of the hands or feet, trouble moving, stiffness, skin rash, difficulty breathing, chest pain, vision problems. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE RECOMBIVAX HB:
RECOMBIVAX HB: RECOMBIVAX HB is given by a health care professional as an injection into the thigh or upper arm muscle. A schedule of three to four doses are usually given over a six to twelve month period. Your doctor will provide you with a vaccination schedule which must be followed closely in order to be most effective. If you have an infection at the time a vaccination is scheduled, your doctor may choose to delay the vaccination until you are better.

RECOMBIVAX HB USES:
This vaccine causes the body to produce protective levels of hepatitis B antibodies which will protect against infection from hepatitis B virus. This vaccine is recommended for persons of all ages, especially those at an increased risk of getting the infection. Those at an increased risk include health care personnel; laboratory workers handling blood and patient specimens; police, fire and emergency medical personnel who render first aid treatment; hemophiliacs; household and intimate contacts of persons with persistent hepatitis B infections; persons with multiple sex partners; homosexuals; prostitutes; IV drug abusers; persons traveling to high risk areas.

RECOMBIVAX HB PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing infections, heart disease, lung disease, any illness or any allergies, especially to yeast. RECOMBIVAX HB should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if RECOMBIVAX HB appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

RECOMBIVAX HB DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take especially corticosteroids, cyclosporine or anticancer medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

RECOMBIVAX HB OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

RECOMBIVAX HB NOTES:
It is important to understand the risks and benefits of vaccinations. Discuss this with your doctor.

MISSED RECOMBIVAX HB DOSE:
It is important to receive each vaccination as scheduled. Be sure to ask when each dose should be received and make a note of the schedule.

RECOMBIVAX HB STORAGE:
Refrigerate between 36 to 46 degrees F (2 to 8 degrees C). Do not freeze.