Important Note

The following 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 use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

HEPATITIS-B/HEPATITIS-A VACCINE - INJECTABLE

(hep-uh-TIE-tuss B/hep-uh-TIE-tuss A vack-SEEN)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Twinrix

Uses

This combination medication is a vaccine given to persons over 18 years of age to prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B infection. These are serious viral infections that cause swelling of the liver; they are very contagious. This vaccine is recommended for people at increased risk for contacting these infections. Those at increased risk include: health care workers, laboratory workers handling blood or bodily fluid specimens; institutional or day care workers; military personnel; police, fire, and emergency medical personnel; hemophiliacs; household members or those with intimate contact with persons infected with hepatitis A or B; people with liver disease, people with multiple sex partners; men having sex with men; prostitutes; IV drug abusers; and persons traveling to high risk areas. This vaccine will not prevent hepatitis caused by other sources (e.g., hepatitis C or other pathogens).

How To Use

Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Shake the vial/syringe well before use. The vaccine should appear as a cloudy white suspension. Check the product visually for any unusual particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Inject 1 ml of this medication into a muscle (IM) preferably in the upper arm (deltoid region) as directed by your doctor. Do not inject into the buttocks region. Discard any unused portion of the vial/syringe. Your dose should be repeated one month and 6 months after the first dose (total of 3 doses). If you are unclear about your dosing schedule, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Side Effects

Headache, pain/redness/swelling/itching at the injection site, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: fever, dizziness, rash, stomach/abdominal pain, trouble breathing. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusually fast heartbeat, seizures, hair loss, loss of consciousness, tingling or numbness of the face/hands/feet, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, vision changes, unusual bruising or bleeding. An allergic reaction to this vaccine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: recent fever or illness, bleeding problems (e.g., hemophilia, low platelet counts), cancer, immune system disorders, use of "blood thinners" (warfarin, heparin), any allergies (e.g., yeast). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), anti-cancer drugs, immunosuppresants (e.g., azathioprine, cyclosporine, tacrolimus). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

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

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your response to the vaccine.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing schedule.

Storage

Store refrigerated between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Discard this product if it has been frozen.