Heplisav-B (Intramuscular)
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver that is spread through blood or bodily fluids, sexual contact or sharing IV drug needles with an infected person, or during childbirth when the mother is infected. Hepatitis causes inflammation of the liver, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Hepatitis 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 develop immunity to the disease, but will not treat an active infection you already have.
Vaccination with 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 provide protection from disease in every person.
uses
What is Heplisav-B (Intramuscular) used for?
- Hepatitis B Prophylaxis
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Heplisav-B (Intramuscular)?
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;
- have a weak immune system caused by disease or by using certain medicine;
- have received any other hepatitis vaccine or if you are scheduled to receive a vaccine; or
- have 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.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Heplisav-B (Intramuscular)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
The vaccination provider may want to watch you for a short time after your shot, to make sure 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 determine 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 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.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Heplisav-B (Intramuscular) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
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.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Heplisav-B (Intramuscular)?
Avoid receiving other vaccines without first seeking medical advice.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Heplisav-B (Intramuscular)?
Use Heplisav-B (Intramuscular) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
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.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Heplisav-B (Intramuscular)?
An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.