Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated/Hepatitis B Vaccine Recombinant
Prevents infection with hepatitis A and hepatitis B
Brand Names:
Twinrix
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to vaccinations for hepatitis A or hepatitis B
Uses:
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 or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or drugs that suppress your immune system, such as steroids (such as cortisone, prednisone Celestone®, Cortone®, Decadron®, Deltasone®, Pediapred®), cancer medicines, or radiation treatment.
Warnings:
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a bleeding disorder, problems with your immune system, or a severe illness.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had a serious reaction to any type of vaccine.
If you have already caught hepatitis A or B, this vaccine will not keep you from getting sick. This medicine will not protect you from other types of hepatitis, such as 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.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Fever, chills, sore throat, vomiting
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Diarrhea, nausea
Headache
Mild redness, swelling, pain, bruising, or itching where the shot was given
