VAQTA

Drug Name: VAQTA

VAQTA DESCRIPTION:
HEPATITIS A VACCINE - INJECTION (hep-uh-TIE-tuss A vack-SEEN)

COMMON VAQTA BRAND NAME(S):
Havrix, Vaqta

VAQTA SIDE EFFECTS:
Most common is burning, stinging, pain or redness at the injection site. Mild fever, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, headache or weakness occur infrequently. If any of these effects continue beyond two days or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: high fever, trouble breathing, skin rash, dizziness, tingling of the hands or feet, muscle or joint pain. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE VAQTA:
VAQTA: VAQTA is given by intramuscular injection into the upper arm by a health care professional. Generally a single dose and a booster dose 6 to 12 months later are given.

VAQTA USES:
VAQTA is a vaccine given to persons over 2 years of age to prevent hepatitis A infection. This vaccine is recommended for persons traveling to areas where the risk of hepatitis A is high; for persons at increased risk due to their jobs, such as institutional or day care workers, animal handlers, lab workers, military personnel; IV drug abusers; residents of communities with an outbreak of hepatitis A. Discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with your doctor.

VAQTA PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history especially: illnesses or infections, blood disorders, immune system disorders, any allergies. VAQTA should be given during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if VAQTA appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

VAQTA DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: steroids, anti-cancer medications, immunosuppressants. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

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

VAQTA NOTES:
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that may cause liver disease. The virus is spread by contaminated food or water, infected food handlers, ingestion of raw shellfish from contaminated water, poor sanitary conditions, blood tranfusions or sharing needles with infected persons.

MISSED VAQTA DOSE:
This is usually given as a one time dose. As with most medications, do not "double-up" the dose if a dose is missed.

VAQTA STORAGE:
VAQTA is stored in the refrigerator as directed.