Havrix (HepA)

Hepatitis is a serious disease caused by a virus. It leads to inflammation of the liver, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Hepatitis can result in liver cancer, cirrhosis, or death.

The Havrix (HepA) is used to help prevent this disease in adults.

This vaccine works by exposing you to a small amount of the virus, which helps your body build immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in your body.

Vaccination with Havrix (HepA) is recommended for all adults who travel to certain areas of the world where hepatitis A is common.

Like any vaccine, the hepatitis A vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

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

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

You should not get this vaccine if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any vaccine that contains hepatitis A, or if you are allergic to neomycin.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an allergy to latex rubber; or
• a weak immune system (caused by disease or certain medicines).

Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Keep track of any and all side effects you have after receiving this vaccine. When you receive a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shot caused any side effects.

Havrix (HepA) may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• extreme drowsiness, fainting; or
• high fever (within a few hours or a few days after the vaccine).

Common side effects of Havrix (HepA) may include:

• headache; or
• swelling, tenderness, redness, or warmth 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 (shot) into a muscle. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or clinic setting.

You will receive a shot of the hepatitis A vaccine and then a booster shot 6 to 18 months later.

To prevent hepatitis A while traveling, you should receive this vaccine at least 2 weeks before your trip. Your healthcare provider will determine the best dosing schedule for your situation.

Your doctor may recommend treating fever and pain with an aspirin free pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, and others) when the shot is given and for the next 24 hours. Follow the label directions or your doctor's instructions about how much of Havrix (HepA) to use.

Contact your doctor if you miss a booster dose or if you fall behind schedule. The next dose should be given as soon as possible. There is no need to start over.

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

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to happen.

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any restrictions on food, drinks, or activities.

Before getting this vaccine, tell your doctor about all other vaccines you have had recently.

Also, inform your doctor if you have recently used any drugs or treatments that can weaken your immune system, such as:

• steroid medicine;
• cancer treatments;
• medicine for psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; or
• medicines for organ transplant rejection.

If you are taking any of these medications, you might not be able to receive the vaccine, or you may need to wait until your other treatments are done.

This list does not cover everything. Other medications might affect the hepatitis A vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are included here.