Hepatitis A/Hepatitis B Vaccine (By injection)
hep-a-TYE-tis A VAX-een, in-AK-ti-vay-ted, hep-a-TYE-tis B VAX-een re-KOM-bin-ant
Prevents infection caused by hepatitis A and hepatitis B viruses.
Drug classes
Vaccine (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B combination vaccine is used to prevent infection caused by the hepatitis A and hepatitis B virus. The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease.
Hepatitis A is a serious disease of the liver that can cause death. It is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), and is spread most often through infected food or water. Hepatitis A may also be spread by close person-to-person contact with infected persons (such as between persons living in the same household). Although some infected persons do not appear to be sick, they are still able to spread the virus to others.
Hepatitis A is less common in the U.S. and other areas of the world that have a higher level of sanitation and good water and sewage (waste) systems. However, it is a significant health problem in parts of the world that do not have such systems. If you are traveling to certain countries or remote (out-of-the-way) areas, hepatitis A vaccine will help protect you from hepatitis A disease.
Hepatitis B is caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), and is spread by contact with body fluids, such as blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal fluids; by needle sticks or sharing needles; or from mother to child.
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B combination vaccine is recommended for all persons 18 years of age or older who are at risk from infection from their jobs or some behaviors, or from traveling to the following parts of the world:
Africa.
Central and South America.
Eastern and Southern Europe.
South and Southeast Asia (except Japan).
The Caribbean.
The Middle East.
The former Soviet Union
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B combination vaccine is also recommended for:
Military personnel.
Persons living in or moving to areas that have a high rate of HAV infection and who are at a high risk of HBV infection.
Persons engaging in high-risk sexual activity, such as homosexual and bisexual males.
Persons who use illegal injection drugs.
Persons at risk through their work, such as laboratory workers who handle live hepatitis A and hepatitis B virus, police, and those who give first aid or medical help, and workers who come in contact with stool or sewage.
People who work in child daycare centers and correctional facilities, residents of drug and alcohol treatment centers, and patients and staff in hemodialysis units.
People who are at increased risk for HBV infection and who are in close contact with patients that have hepatitis A or B.
Persons with hemophilia.
Persons with chronic liver disease.
This vaccine is to be given only by or under the supervision of a doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
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 health provider will give you this medicine.
This vaccine is usually given as 3 doses. The second dose is given 1 month after the first dose. The third dose is given 6 months after the first dose. However, your doctor may suggest a different schedule.
Missed dose: It is important that you receive each dose at the right time. If you miss your scheduled shot, call your doctor to make another appointment as soon as possible.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how this vaccine works. Tell your doctor if you have recently received any treatment that weakens the immune system, such as cancer medicine, radiation treatment, or a steroid.
When Not To Use
This vaccine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to hepatitis A or hepatitis B vaccine or to neomycin or yeast.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are allergic to latex rubber. Also, tell your doctor if you have a weak immune system, or if you have been sick or had a fever recently.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Fainting, trouble seeing, numbness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot is given
Tiredness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Twinrix, Twinrix Adult, Twinrix Junior
There may be other brand names for this medicine.