Hepatitis B adult vaccine

Generic name: hepatitis B adult vaccine [ HEP-a-TYE-tis-B-a-DULT-VAX-een ]
Brand names: Engerix-B, Heplisav-B, Recombivax HB Adult, Recombivax HB Dialysis Formulation, PreHevbrio
Dosage forms: intramuscular solution (20 mcg/0.5 mL); intramuscular suspension (10 mcg/mL; 20 mcg/mL; dialysis 40 mcg/mL)
Drug class:Viral vaccines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 7, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is hepatitis B vaccine?

Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus. 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 adult vaccine is used to help prevent this disease in adults. The dialysis form of this vaccine is for adults receiving dialysis.

This vaccine helps your body develop immunity to hepatitis B, but it will not treat an active infection you already have.

Vaccination with hepatitis B adult vaccine is recommended for all adults who are at risk of getting hepatitis B. Risk factors include: living with someone infected with hepatitis B virus; having sexual contact with infected people; having hepatitis C, chronicliver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, HIV or AIDS; being on dialysis; using intravenous (IV) drugs; living or working in a facility for developmentally disabled people; working in healthcare or public safety and being exposed to blood or body fluids; living or working in a correctional facility; being a victim of sexual abuse or assault; and traveling to areas where hepatitis B is common.

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

Warnings

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

Before taking this medicine

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, or if you are allergic to yeast.

If you have any of these other conditions, your vaccine may need to be postponed or not given at all:

• multiple sclerosis;

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• a bleeding or blood clott...