Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated/Hepatitis B Vaccine Recombinant (Injection)
Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated (hep-a-TYE-tis A vak-seen, in-AK-ti-vay-ted), Hepatitis B Vaccine Recombinant (hep-ah-TY-tiss B vak-seen re-KOM-bin-ant)
Prevents infection with hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Brand Name(s):Twinrix
There may be other brand names for this medicine. When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to vaccinations for hepatitis A or hepatitis B. How to Use This Medicine:
Injectable
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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.
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A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
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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:
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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.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
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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 While Using This Medicine:
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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.
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Tell your doctor if you have ever had a serious reaction to any type of vaccine.
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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.
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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.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
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Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
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Fever, chills, sore throat, vomiting
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Unusual bleeding or bruising
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
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Diarrhea, nausea
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Headache
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Mild redness, swelling, pain, bruising, or itching where the shot was given
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Tiredness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
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