Hepatitis B Vaccine
About
Hepatitis B Vaccine belongs to the group of medicines called 'immunizing agents' primarily used to prevent hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B is a disease that occurs when the hepatitis B virus attacks the liver and causes infection. It can lead to liver cirrhosis (scarring), liver cancer, liver failure, and death.
Hepatitis B Vaccine contains ' Hepatitis B vaccine.' It works by exposing the body to a small dose of virus or its protein when injected. Thereby, it helps provide immunity or resistance against the hepatitis B virus. The viral vaccine can be inactivated/killed virus (inability to replicate) or attenuated/live (cannot cause the disease but can induce an immune response).
Hepatitis B Vaccine will be administered by a healthcare professional. Common side effects of Hepatitis B Vaccine are headache, irritability, tiredness, drowsiness, nausea, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, fever, redness, tenderness and pain at the injection site. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.
Inform your doctor beforehand if you have a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines and yeast, multiple sclerosis (disease affecting the nervous system), kidney problems, long-term liver diseases, and HIV/AIDS. It is essential to let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother before taking Hepatitis B Vaccine. Hepatitis B Vaccine may make you feel weak or tired and drowsy; hence drive only when you are mentally alert. Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for children only when prescribed by the doctor.
Uses of Hepatitis B Vaccine
Medicinal Benefits
Hepatitis B Vaccine is an immunizing agent that contains hepatitis B vaccine.' It is used to prevent hepatitis B infection. It works by exposing the body to a small dose of virus (live, attenuated, inactivated or killed), thus providing immunity or resistance against the disease. Inactivated viral vaccines contain the whole virus, but they do not have the ability to replicate.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Hepatitis B Vaccine
- Fever
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Irritability
- Drowsiness
- Redness, tenderness and pain at the injection site
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor before taking the shot if you have a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines and yeast, multiple sclerosis, kidney problems, long-term liver diseases, bleeding disorders, and HIV/AIDS. Please let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to conceive before taking Hepatitis B Vaccine. It is also advised to consult your doctor before taking Hepatitis B Vaccine if you are a breastfeeding mother. Hepatitis B Vaccine may make you feel drowsy or tired, hence drive with caution and only when you are completely alert. It is unknown if the action of Hepatitis B Vaccine is affected by alcohol intake. Please consult your doctor for more information. Hepatitis B Vaccine should be used in children only when the doctor has advised. If you are travelling to virus prone areas and have an increased risk of hepatitis B infection, Hepatitis B Vaccine should be taken as suggested by your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Hepatitis B Vaccine may interact with immunosuppressants (Mycophenolate mofetil, Azathioprine, Mercaptopurine). Let your doctor know if you use any prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbal or vitamin supplements, and other vaccines before taking Hepatitis B Vaccine.
Drug-Food Interaction: Follow your doctor's advice on the foods and drinks that can be consumed.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Before using Hepatitis B Vaccine, let your doctor know if you have any allergic reactions to vaccines and yeast, immune system disorders, multiple sclerosis, kidney problems, long-term liver diseases, bleeding disorders, and HIV/AIDS.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is unknown if the action of Hepatitis B Vaccine is affected by alcohol intake. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Hepatitis B Vaccine if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Hepatitis B Vaccine if you are a breastfeeding mother.
Driving
cautionHepatitis B Vaccine may cause tiredness and drowsiness. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you suffer from severe or long-term liver impairment/liver disease before taking Hepatitis B Vaccine.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you suffer from severe kidney impairment/kidney disease before taking Hepatitis B Vaccine.
Children
cautionHepatitis B Vaccine is recommended for children only after the doctor's advice.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Consume a balanced diet.
- Avoid fatty foods and raw or undercooked foods.
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Undergo screening for hepatitis if you are caring for or living with an infected person.
- 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
- Let your doctor know that you are taking Hepatitis B Vaccine if you are undergoing any medical tests.
- It is advised to keep a record of your booster dose schedule to know when you are due for the upcoming shot.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hepatitis B: It is a severe liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is highly contagious (spreads from one person to another) and spreads through intimate contact with the infected person, direct contact with infected blood, through a contaminated needle, using an infected razor/other personal items, or from mother to baby during birth. The virus can live for up to 7 days outside the body. Chronic hepatitis B develops slowly, and the symptoms may not be clear unless complications develop. The symptoms of hepatitis B may appear after three months of exposure to the virus and can last for 2 to 12 weeks. The complications of chronic hepatitis B include liver failure, liver cancer or liver cirrhosis (scarring). Hepatitis B can be prevented by taking the vaccination.
FAQs
Hepatitis B Vaccine contains hepatitis B vaccine. When injected, Hepatitis B Vaccine releases a small dose of virus or its protein into the body, further providing immunity against hepatitis B infection.
Hepatitis B Vaccine should be used with caution in the medical history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines and yeast, immune system disorders, multiple sclerosis, bleeding or blood clotting disorder, fainting, kidney problems, dialysis, long-term liver diseases, HIV/AIDS, and fits. Please let your doctor know if you have any other medical concerns before starting Hepatitis B Vaccine.
If you have shown a severe allergic reaction after the first shot, you should not get the next shot since it may be life-threatening. Please consult your doctor for more information.
You can take other vaccines along with Hepatitis B Vaccine if you do not have any allergic reactions. If you take other vaccines and Hepatitis B Vaccine, they should be given by separate syringes and at different injection sites.
You may experience flu-like symptoms and fever after getting vaccinated with Hepatitis B Vaccine. This is a common side effect that occurs after every vaccine. Your fever gradually decreases after 1-2 days. Your doctor may also suggest fever and pain medication if required. However, please reach out to your doctor if the fever persists after three days.
The hepatitis B vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the hepatitis B virus (HBV), and also it provides long-term protection against the virus. On the other hand, hepatitis B immunoglobulin contains antibodies that act against HBV, and it is given when immediate protection against the virus is needed.
