Engerix-B (HepB)

Hepatitis B is a liver disease that spreads through blood or bodily fluids, sexual contact, sharing IV drug needles with an infected person, or during childbirth if the mother is infected. Hepatitis causes liver inflammation, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). It can lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis, or death.

The hepatitis B vaccine is used to help prevent this disease in adults.

This vaccine helps your body build immunity to the disease, but it will not treat an active infection you may already have.

Vaccination with the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all adults who are at risk of getting hepatitis B. Like any vaccine, the hepatitis B vaccine may not protect every person from the disease.

Becoming infected with hepatitis B is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine.

You should not receive another dose of this vaccine if you had a life threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Hepatitis B vaccine will not protect against infection with hepatitis A, C, and E, or other viruses that affect the liver. It may also not protect against hepatitis B if you are already infected with the virus, even if you do not yet show symptoms.

You should not receive this vaccine if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any vaccine containing hepatitis B.

Tell your doctor or vaccination provider if you have or have ever had:

• a fever;
• an allergy to yeast or latex;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;
• a weak immune system caused by disease or by using certain medicine;
• received any other hepatitis vaccine or if you are scheduled to receive a vaccine; or
• ever fainted when or after receiving an injection; or
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of this vaccine on the baby.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

The vaccination provider may want to monitor you for a short time after your shot to ensure you don't have an allergic reaction. You will be treated quickly if you have a reaction right after you receive the vaccine.

You should not receive this vaccine if the first shot of this vaccine caused an allergic reaction. Your doctor or vaccination provider will decide if you can safely receive this vaccine.

Not all possible side effects are known. Becoming infected with hepatitis B is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine.

Common side effects of Engerix-B (HepB) may include:

• headache;
• tiredness; or
• redness, pain, swelling, or a lump where the shot was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1 800 822 7967.

This vaccine is given as an injection into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

The hepatitis B vaccine is given in a series of 2 to 3 shots usually over 6 months.

Your doctor or vaccination provider will determine if you need an additional dose based on your condition.

Your individual vaccination schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by your local health department.

Be sure to receive all recommended doses of this vaccine, or you may not be fully protected against disease.

This vaccine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you if you recently received the hepatitis B vaccine.

Contact your vaccination provider or health department if you miss a dose.

An overdose of this vaccine is not likely to happen.

Do not receive other vaccines without first getting medical advice.

Before getting this vaccine, inform your vaccination provider about all other vaccines you have had. Other medications may impact this vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Let your doctor know about all other medicines you are using.