HepaGam B
Generic name:hepatitis B immune globulin [ HEP-a-TYE-tis-B-im-MYOON-GLOB-yoo-lin ]
Brand names: HepaGam B, HepaGam B NovaPlus
Drug class:Immune globulins
What is HepaGam B?
HepaGam B is made from human plasma containing proteins that protect against the type B form of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).
HepaGam B is used to prevent hepatitis B in people receiving a liver transplant, and in babies born to mothers infected with hepatitis B. It is also used to prevent hepatitis B in people who have been exposed to hepatitis B through contaminated blood products, sexual contact with an infected person, or living in a home with an infected person.
HepaGam B is not a vaccine. Therefore it will not provide long-term protection from hepatitis B. For long-term protection you must receive a hepatitis B vaccine such as Engerix-B, Recombivax HB, or Twinrix.
Hepatitis B immune globulin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
HepaGam B may increase your risk of blood clots, especially if you have heart disease or a history of blood clots, or if you need to use a blood thinner, if you are an older adult, if you are bedridden, if you take birth control pills or hormone replacement, or if you use certain types of catheters.
Call your doctor at once if you have: sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body); chest pain, trouble breathing, rapid heart rate, coughing up blood; or if you have pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in your arms or legs.
You should not receive HepaGam B if you are allergic to human globulins, or if you have an immunoglobulin A deficiency. HepaGam B should not be injected into your muscle if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia.
HepaGam B is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although donated human plasma is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using HepaGam B.
Before receiving HepaGam B
You should not receive HepaGam B if you are allergic to hepatitis B immune globulin.
HepaGam B may increase your risk of blood clots, especially if you have:
heart disease, coronary artery disease (hardened arteries), history of blood clots;
risk factors for coronary artery disease (such as menopause, smoking, being overweight, having high blood pressure or high cholesterol, having a family history of coronary artery disease, being an older adult);
if you need to use a blood thinner;
if you take birth control pills or hormone replacement;
if you use certain types of catheters; or
if you are bedridden or otherwise debilitated.
To make sure HepaGam B is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
an allergy ...
