Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin
About
Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin belongs to the class of medication called 'biologics vaccines' or 'immunising agents' used to prevent hepatitis A infection. It is given before exposure to the hepatitis A virus or shortly after (within two weeks). Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) spread by contaminated food or water and contact with infected persons.
Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin contains ‘hepatitis A immunoglobulin’ an antibody extracted from the plasma (a component of blood) of the infected donor that acts against the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Immunoglobulins or antibodies are essential to the immune response and help by protecting against viruses to prevent infection. Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin works by neutralising the hepatitis A virus by provoking an individual's immune system through cell-mediated immunity (a type of immune response). It does not provide long-term protection against hepatitis A infection.
Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin is available as an injection and is given by a trained healthcare professional. Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin may cause side effects such as pain and discomfort at the injection site, nausea and low-grade fever. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor immediately.
It is not recommended to take Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin if you are allergic to human hepatitis A immunoglobulin or any other biological antiviral vaccines or have immunoglobulin A deficiency. Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin is probably safe when given during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin can be given to children and elderly patients. However, dosage adjustments are necessary. Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin may not interact with alcohol. Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin may not affect your ability to drive.
Uses of Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin
Medicinal Benefits
Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin contains ‘hepatitis A immunoglobulin’, which can effectively prevent hepatitis A infection if given within two weeks post-exposure. Its use is recommended for children aged less than 12 months, people who are allergic to the vaccine or vaccine component or decreased response to the vaccine, who are travelling to an area where hepatitis A is endemic (prevalent in that region), who have weak immune systems such as with HIV, and who are at risk of long-term conditions of the liver such as hepatitis B or C infection. It helps to prevent infection in the household or other close contacts such as a person living in the same household as the infected patient, a person who had sexual contact with the infected person, child-care staff or a person who is taking care of an infected child, healthcare professionals administering injections to the infected person and persons living in long-stay care facilities who are sharing toilets or other facilities with the infected person.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin
- Pain and discomfort at the injection site
- Nausea
- Low-grade fever
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin, inform your doctor if you had allergies to any vaccines previously and have immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency. Besides, inform your doctor if you had recently or plan to get vaccinated, especially MMR and varicella vaccines, as Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin can make these vaccines less effective. Also, do not take any live vaccines within 3 months after taking Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin. Inform your doctor even if you feel unwell after taking Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin may interact with live vaccines such as vaccines taken against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR vaccine). The vaccine has been taken against chickenpox (varicella vaccine) and makes them less effective. These vaccines should be delayed for at least 3 months and 5 months, respectively, after taking Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin should not be used in people with immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency (lack of IgA, a type of antibody that protects against infections).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safe if prescribedHepatitis A Immunoglobulin may not interact with alcohol.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedHepatitis A Immunoglobulin is probably safe when used in pregnancy. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant before receiving Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin.
Breast Feeding
safe if prescribedHepatitis A Immunoglobulin is probably safe when used in breastfeeding. Please inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding before receiving Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin.
Driving
safe if prescribedHepatitis A Immunoglobulin may not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
safe if prescribedPlease consult your doctor as there is limited information available on the use of Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin in patients with liver diseases.
Kidney
safe if prescribedPlease consult your doctor as there is limited information available on the use of Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin in patients with kidney diseases.
Children
safe if prescribedHepatitis A Immunoglobulin is a pre-scheduled immunisation for your child.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain hand hygiene as hepatitis A spreads with contaminated food and water. Hand washing after using the bathroom, changing diapers and before and after preparing food help prevent infection.
- Consume a balanced diet. Talk to a dietitian and prepare a diet plan.
- Avoid fatty foods and raw or undercooked foods.
- Avoid alcohol intake.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Undergo screening for hepatitis if you are caring or living with an infected person.
- If you have diabetes, do not share your blood sugar meters, blood lancets or other equipment with other persons, as it may cause the spread of infection from one person to another.
Special Advise
- Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin can offer only temporary protection (approximately 3 months), so consult your doctor if you are in close contact with an infected person or travelling to an area where hepatitis A is prevalent.
- Inform your doctor if you have any blood tests after taking Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin, as this medicine may alter the blood test results.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hepatitis A: It is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It can be prevented by effective vaccination. It spreads by contaminated food or water and contact with infected persons. This condition's symptoms are abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, dark urine, yellowing eyes and skin, clay-coloured stool and fever. Taking adequate rest and hydration can help in quick recovery.
FAQs
Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin contains 'hepatitis A immunoglobulin' used to prevent hepatitis A infection (affects the liver). It works by neutralizing the hepatitis A virus by provoking an individual's immune system through cell-mediated immunity.
It is not advised to take live vaccines such as MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) or varicella (chickenpox) within 3 months of taking Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin. These vaccinations' actions may be altered, making them less effective.
Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin may cause side effects such as pain and discomfort at the injection site, nausea and low-grade fever. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.
The hepatitis A vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and provides long-term protection against the virus. On the other hand, hepatitis A immunoglobulin contains antibodies that act against HAV, and it is given when immediate protection against the virus is needed.
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are three different viruses that cause severe liver infection. Though each virus of hepatitis can cause similar symptoms, they are spread in different ways and can affect the liver differently. Hepatitis A causes short-term infection. While Hepatitis B and C can begin with short-term infections, in some cases, can cause chronic or lifelong infections. There are vaccines to prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B, but no vaccine is available for hepatitis C.
