RECOMBIVAX HB* Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant) is a non-infectious subunit viral vaccine derived from hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) produced in yeast cells. A portion of the hepatitis B virus gene, coding for HBsAg, is cloned into yeast, and the vaccine for hepatitis B is produced from cultures of this recombinant yeast strain according to methods developed in the Merck Research Laboratories.

The antigen is harvested and purified from fermentation cultures of a recombinant strain of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae containing the gene for the adw subtype of HBsAg. The fermentation process involves growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on a complex fermentation medium which consists of an extract of yeast, soy peptone, dextrose, amino acids and mineral salts. The HBsAg protein is released from the yeast cells by cell disruption and purified by a series of physical and chemical methods. The purified protein is treated in phosphate buffer with formaldehyde and then coprecipitated with alum (potassium aluminum sulfate) to form bulk vaccine adjuvanted with amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate. The vaccine contains no detectable yeast DNA but may contain not more than 1% yeast protein. The vaccine produced by the Merck method has been shown to be comparable to the plasma-derived vaccine in terms of animal potency (mouse, monkey, and chimpanzee) and protective efficacy (chimpanzee and human).

The vaccine against hepatitis B, prepared from recombinant yeast cultures, is free of association with human blood or blood products.

Each lot of hepatitis B vaccine is tested for sterility.

RECOMBIVAX HB is a sterile suspension for intramuscular injection. However, for persons at risk of hemorrhage following intramuscular injection, the vaccine may be administered subcutaneously. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

RECOMBIVAX HB Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant) is supplied in three formulations. (See HOW SUPPLIED.)

Pediatric/Adolescent Formulation (Without Preservative), 10 mcg/mL: each 0.5 mL dose contains 5 mcg of hepatitis B surface antigen.

Adult Formulation (Without Preservative), 10 mcg/mL: each 1 mL dose contains 10 mcg of hepatitis B surface antigen.

Dialysis Formulation (Without Preservative), 40 mcg/mL: each 1 mL dose contains 40 mcg of hepatitis B surface antigen.

All formulations contain approximately 0.5 mg of aluminum (provided as amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate, previously referred to as aluminum hydroxide) per mL of vaccine. In each formulation, hepatitis B surface antigen is adsorbed onto approximately 0.5 mg of aluminum (provided as amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate) per mL of vaccine. The vaccine is of the adw subtype. RECOMBIVAX HB is indicated for vaccination of persons at risk of infection from hepatitis B virus including all known subtypes. RECOMBIVAX HB Dialysis Formulation is indicated for vaccination of adult predialysis and dialysis patients against infection caused by all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus.

* Registered trademark of MERCK & CO., Inc. COPYRIGHT © 1998 MERCK & CO., Inc. All rights reserved

Last updated on RxList: 9/2/2008

RECOMBIVAX HB is indicated for vaccination against infection caused by all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus. RECOMBIVAX HB Dialysis Formulation is indicated for vaccination of adult predialysis and dialysis patients against infection caused by all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus.

Vaccination with RECOMBIVAX HB is recommended for:

1. Infants including those born to HBsAg positive mothers (high-risk infants).
2. Children born after November 21, 1991.³⁰
3. Adolescents (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).
4. Other persons of all ages in areas of high prevalence or those who are or may be at increased risk of infection with hepatitis B virus, such as:³⁰

• Health Care Personnel
  • Dentists and oral surgeons.
  • Physicians and surgeons.
  • Nurses.
  • Paramedical personnel and custodial staff who may be exposed to the virus via blood or other patient specimens.
  • Dental hygienists and dental nurses.
  • Laboratory personnel handling blood, blood products, and other patient specimens.
  • Dental, medical and nursing students.
• Selected Patients and Patient Contacts
  • Staff in hemodialysis units and hematology/oncology units.
  • Hemodialysis patients and patients with early renal failure before they require hemodialysis.
  • Patients requiring frequent and/or large volume blood transfusions or clotting factor concentrates (e.g., persons with hemophilia, thalassemia).
  • Individuals with hepatitis C virus infection.³⁵
  • Clients (residents) and staff of institutions for the mentally handicapped.
  • Classroom contacts of deinstitutionalized mentally handicapped persons who have persistent hepatitis B surface antigenemia and who show aggressive behavior.
  • Household and other intimate contacts of persons with persistent hepatitis B surface antigenemia.
• Sub-populations with a known high incidence of the disease, such as:
  • Alaskan Natives.
  • Pacific Islanders.
  • Refugees from areas where hepatitis B virus infection is endemic.
  • Adoptees from countries where hepatitis B virus infection is endemic.
• International Travelers
• Military Personnel identified as being at increased risk
• Morticians and Embalmers
• Blood bank and plasma fractionation workers
• Persons at Increased Risk of the Disease Due to Their Sexual Practices, such as:
  • Persons who have heterosexual activity with multiple partners.
  • Persons who repeatedly contract sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Homosexual and bisexual adolescent and adult men.
  • Female prostitutes.
• Prisoners
• Injection drug users

Neither dosage strength will prevent hepatitis caused by other agents, such as hepatitis A virus, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis E virus or other viruses known to infect the liver.

Revaccination

See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY.

Use with Other Vaccines

Results from clinical studies indicate that RECOMBIVAX HB can be administered concomitantly with DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and whole cell Pertussis), OPV (oral Poliomyelitis vaccine), M-M-R* II (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine Live), Liquid PedvaxHIB* [Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine (Meningococcal Protein Conjugate)] or a booster dose of DTaP [Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis], using separate sites and syringes for injectable vaccines. No impairment of immune response to individually tested vaccine antigens was demonstrated.

The type, frequency and severity of adverse experiences observed in these studies with RECOMBIVAX HB were similar to those seen when the other vaccines were given alone.

In addition, an HBsAg-containing product, COMVAX* [Haemophilus b Conjugate (Meningococcal Protein Conjugate) and Hepatitis B (Recombinant) Vaccine], was given concomitantly with Eipv (enhanced inactivated Poliovirus vaccine) or VARIVAX* [Varicella Virus Vaccine Live (Oka/Merck)], using separate sites and syringes for injectable vaccines. No impairment of immune response to these individually tested vaccine antigens was demonstrated. No serious vaccine-related adverse events were reported.

COMVAX has also been administered concomitantly with the primary series of DTaP to a limited number of infants. No serious vaccine-related adverse events were reported.¹⁰

Separate sites and syringes should be used for simultaneous administration of injectable vaccines.

Do not inject intravenously or intradermally.

RECOMBIVAX HB Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant) DIALYSIS FORMULATION [(40 mcg/mL) (WITHOUT PRESERVATIVE)] IS INTENDED ONLY FOR ADULT PREDIALYSIS/DIALYSIS PATIENTS.RECOMBIVAX HB Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant) PEDIATRIC/ADOLESCENT (WITHOUT PRESERVATIVE) and ADULT FORMULATIONS (WITHOUT PRESERVATIVE) ARE NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN PREDIALYSIS/DIALYSIS PATIENTS.

Three-Dose Regimen

The vaccination regimen for each population consists of 3 doses of vaccine given according to the following schedule:

First dose: at elected date

Second dose: 1 month later

Third dose: 6 months after the first dose

For infants born of mothers who are HBsAg positive or mothers of unknown HBsAg status, treatment recommendations are described in the subsection titled: Guidelines for Treatment of Infants Born of HBsAg Positive Mothers or Mothers of Unknown HBsAg Status.

Two-Dose Regimen - Adolescents (11 through 15 years of age)

An alternate two-dose regimen is available for routine vaccination of adolescents (11 through 15 years of age). The regimen consists of two doses of vaccine (10 mcg) given according to the following schedule:

First injection: at elected date

Second injection: 4-6 months later

Table 1 summarizes the dose and formulation of RECOMBIVAX HB for specific populations, regardless of the risk of infection with hepatitis B virus.

Table 1

Group	Dose/Regimen	Formulation	Color Code
Infants, Children and Adolescents 0-19 years of age	5 mcg (0.5 mL) 3 x 5 mcg	Pediatric/Adolescent	Yellow
Adolescents 11 through 15 years of age	10 mcg** (1.0 mL) 2 x 10 mcg	Adult	Green
Adults ≥ 20 years of age	10 mcg** (1.0 mL) 3 x 10 mcg	Adult	Green
Predialysis and Dialysis Patients†	40 mcg (1.0 mL) 3 x 40 mcg	Dialysis	Blue
** If the suggested formulation is not available, the appropriate dosage can be achieved from another formulation provided that the total volume of vaccine administered does not exceed 1 mL. However, the Dialysis Formulation may be used only for adult predialysis/dialysis patients. * Adolescents (11 through 15 years of age) may receive either regimen: the 3 x 5 mcg (Pediatric/Adolescent Formulation) or the 2 x 10 mcg (Adult Formulation). † See also recommendations for revaccination of predialysis and dialysis patients in DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Revaccination.

RECOMBIVAX HB is for intramuscular injection. The deltoid muscleis the preferred site for intramuscular injection in adults. Data suggest that injections given in the buttocks frequently are given into fatty tissue instead of into muscle. Such injections have resulted in a lower seroconversion rate than was expected. The anterolateral thighis the recommended site for intramuscular injection in infants and young children.

For persons at risk of hemorrhage following intramuscular injection, RECOMBIVAX HB may be administered subcutaneously. However, when other aluminum-adsorbed vaccines have been administered subcutaneously, an increased incidence of local reactions including subcutaneous nodules has been observed. Therefore, subcutaneous administration should be used only in persons (e.g., hemophiliacs) who are at risk of hemorrhage following intramuscular injections.

The vaccine should be used as supplied; no dilution or reconstitution is necessary. The full recommended dose of the vaccine should be used.

For All Formulations: Since none of the formulations contain a preservative, once the single-dose vial has been penetrated, the withdrawn vaccine should be used promptly, and the vial must be discarded.

Shake well before use. Thorough agitation at the time of administration is necessary to maintain suspension of the vaccine.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. After thorough agitation, the vaccine is a slightly opaque, white suspension.

Withdraw the recommended dose from the vial using a sterile needle and syringe free of preservatives, antiseptics, and detergents.

It is important to use a separate sterile syringe and needle for each individual patient to prevent transmission of hepatitis and other infectious agents from one person to another. Needles should be disposed of properly and should not be recapped.

Injection must be accomplished with a needle long enough to ensure intramuscular deposition of the vaccine.

Guidelines for Treatment of Infants Born of HBsAg Positive Mothers or Mothers of Unknown HbsAg Status

Each infant should receive three 5 mcg doses of RECOMBIVAX HB irrespective of the mother's HBsAg status (see Table 1). The ACIP recommends that if the mother is determined to be HbsAg positive within 7 days of delivery, the infant also should be given a dose of HBIG (0.5 mL) immediately. The first dose of RECOMBIVAX HB may be given at the same time as HBIG, but it should be administered in the opposite anterolateral thigh.⁷

Revaccination

The duration of the protective effect of RECOMBIVAX HB in healthy vaccinees is unknown at present and the need for booster doses is not yet defined (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).

A booster dose or revaccination with RECOMBIVAX HB Dialysis Formulation (blue color code) may be considered in predialysis/dialysis patients if the anti-HBs level is less than 10 mIU/mL 1 to 2 months after the third dose.²³ The ACIP recommends that the need for booster doses of vaccine should be assessed by annual antibody testing and a booster dose given when antibody levels decline to < 10 mIU/mL.³⁰

Known or Presumed Exposure to HBsAg

There are no prospective studies directly testing the efficacy of a combination of HBIG and RECOMBIVAX HB in preventing clinical hepatitis B following percutaneous, ocular or mucous membrane exposure to hepatitis B virus. However, since most persons with such exposures (e.g., health-care workers) are candidates for RECOMBIVAX HB and since combined HBIG plus vaccine is more efficacious than HBIG alone in perinatal exposures, the following guidelines are recommended for persons who have been exposed to hepatitis B virus such as through (1) percutaneous (needlestick), ocular, mucous membrane exposure to blood known or presumed to contain HBsAg, (2) human bites by known or presumed HBsAg carriers, that penetrate the skin, or (3) following intimate sexual contact with known or presumed HBsAg carriers.

HBIG (0.06 mL/kg) should be given intramuscularly as soon as possible after exposure and within 24 hours if possible. RECOMBIVAX HB (see dosage recommendation) should be given intramuscularly at a separate site within 7 days of exposure and second and third doses given one and six months, respectively, after the first dose.

Prefilled Syringe Use with and without Needle Guard (Safety) Device

Prefilled Syringe with Needle Guard (Safety) Device

Instructions for using the prefilled single-dose syringes preassembled with needle guard device

NOTE: Please use the enclosed needle for administration. If a different needle is chosen, it should fit securely on the syringe and be no longer than 1 inch to ensure proper functioning of the needle guard device. Two detachable labels are provided which can be removed after the needle is guarded.

At any of the following steps, avoid contact with the Trigger Fingers to keep from activating the safety device prematurely.

Remove Syringe Tip Cap and Needle Cap. Attach Luer Needle by pressing both Anti-Rotation Tabs to secure syringe and by twisting the Luer Needle in a clockwise direction until secured to the syringe. Remove Needle Sheath. Administer injection per standard protocol as stated above under DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. Depress the Plunger while grasping the Finger Flange until the entire dose has been given. The Needle Guard Device will NOT activate to cover and protect the needle unless the ENTIRE dose has been given. While the Plunger is still depressed, remove needle from the vaccine recipient. Slowly release the Plunger and allow syringe to move up until the entire needle is guarded. For documentation of vaccination, remove detachable labels by pulling slowly on them. Dispose in approved sharps container.

Prefilled Syringe without Needle Guard (Safety) Device

This package does not contain a needle guard (safety device) or a needle. Shake well before use. Attach the needle by twisting in a clockwise direction until the needle fits securely on the syringe. Administer the entire dose as per standard protocol.

PEDIATRIC/ADOLESCENT FORMULATION (PRESERVATIVE FREE)

Vials

No. 4980 - RECOMBIVAX HB for use in infants, children, and adolescents is supplied as 5 mcg/0.5 mL of HBsAg in a 0.5 mL single-dose vial, color coded with a yellow cap and stripe on the vial labels and cartons and an orange banner on the vial labels and cartons stating “Preservative Free”, NDC 0006-4980-00.

No. 4981 - RECOMBIVAX HB for use in infants, children, and adolescents is supplied as 5 mcg/0.5 mL of HBsAg in a 0.5 mL single-dose vial, in a box of 10 single-dose vials, color coded with a yellow cap and stripe on the vial labels and cartons and an orange banner on the vial labels and cartons stating “Preservative Free”, NDC 0006-4981-00.

Syringes

No. 4093 - RECOMBIVAX HB for use in infants, children and adolescents is supplied as 5 mcg/0.5 mL of HBsAg in a prefilled single-dose Luer Lock syringe, preassembled with UltraSafe Passive®** delivery system in a box of 6 single-dose, prefilled syringes color coded with a yellow plunger rod and stripe on the peel-off syringe labels and cartons and an orange banner on the cartons stating “Preservative Free.” Six one-inch 23 gauge needles are provided separately in the package. NDC 0006-4093-06.

No. 4093 - RECOMBIVAX HB for use in infants, children and adolescents is supplied as 5 mcg/0.5 mL of HBsAg in a carton of 6 prefilled single-dose Luer Lock syringes with tip caps, color coded with a yellow plunger rod and stripe on the peel-off syringe labels and cartons and an orange banner on the cartons stating “Preservative Free.” NDC 0006-4093-09.

ADULT FORMULATION (PRESERVATIVE FREE)

Vials

No. 4995 - RECOMBIVAX HB for use in adults and adolescents (11 through 15 years of age) is supplied as 10 mcg/mL of HBsAg in a 1 mL single-dose vial, color coded with a green cap and stripe on the vial labels and cartons and an orange banner on the vial labels and cartons stating “Preservative Free”, NDC 0006-4995-00.

No. 4995 - RECOMBIVAX HB for use in adults and adolescents (11 through 15 years of age) is supplied as 10 mcg/mL of HBsAg in a 1 mL single-dose vial, in a box of 10 single-dose vials, color coded with a green cap and stripe on the vial labels and cartons and an orange banner on the vial labels and cartons stating “Preservative Free”, NDC 0006-4995-41.

Syringes

No. 4094 - RECOMBIVAX HB for use in adults and adolescents (11 through 15 years of age) is supplied as 10 mcg/1.0 mL HBsAg in a single-dose prefilled Luer Lock syringe, preassembled with UltraSafe Passive® delivery system, color coded with a green plunger rod and stripe on the peel-off syringe labels and cartons and an orange banner on the cartons stating “Preservative Free.” A one-inch 23 gauge needle is provided separately in the package. NDC 0006-4094-31.

No. 4094 - RECOMBIVAX HB for use in adults and adolescents (11 through 15 years of age) is supplied as 10 mcg/1.0 mL HBsAg in a single-dose prefilled Luer Lock syringe, preassembled with UltraSafe Passive® delivery system in a box of 6 single-dose, prefilled syringes color coded with a green plunger rod and stripe on the peel-off syringe labels and cartons and an orange banner on the cartons stating “Preservative Free.” Six one-inch 23 gauge needles are provided separately in the package. NDC 0006-4094-06.

No. 4094 - RECOMBIVAX HB for use in adults and adolescents (11 through 15 years of age) is supplied as 10 mcg/1.0 mL HBsAg in a carton of 6 single-dose prefilled Luer Lock syringes with tip caps, color coded with a green plunger rod and stripe on the peel-off syringe labels and cartons and an orange banner on the carton stating “Preservative Free.” NDC 0006-4094-09.

DIALYSIS FORMULATION (PRESERVATIVE FREE)

Vials

No. 4992 - RECOMBIVAX HB Dialysis Formulation is supplied as 40 mcg/mL of HBsAg in a 1 mL single-dose vial, color coded with a blue cap and stripe on the vial labels and cartons and an orange banner on the vial labels and cartons stating “Preservative Free”, NDC 0006-4992-00.

Storage

Store vials and syringes at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Storage above or below the recommended temperature may reduce potency.

Do not freeze since freezing destroys potency.

REFERENCES

** UltraSafe Passive® delivery system is a Trademark of Safety Syringes, Inc.

7. Recommendations of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP): Hepatitis B Virus: A Comprehensive Strategy for Eliminating Transmission in the United States Through Universal Childhood Vaccination, MMWR 40(RR-13): 1-25, November 22, 1991.

10. Data on file at Merck Research Laboratories.

23. Recommendations of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP): Update on Hepatitis B Prevention, MMWR 36(23): 353-366, June 19, 1987.

30. Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP): Hepatitis B Virus Infection: A Comprehensive Strategy to Eliminate Transmission in the United States, 1996 update, MMWR (draft January 13, 1996).

33. WHO Bulletin, Expanded Programme on Immunization, Hepatitis B Vaccine - Making Global Progress. October, 1996.

35. National Institutes of Health, National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference Panel Statement: Management of Hepatitis C, Hepatology, 26(Suppl. 1): 2S-10S, 1997.

Issued December 2007. Merck & Co Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889, USA. FDA rev date: 5/15/2007

Last updated on RxList: 9/2/2008

RECOMBIVAX HB and RECOMBIVAX HB Dialysis Formulation are generally well-tolerated. No adverse experiences were reported during clinical trials which could be related to changes in the titers of antibodies to yeast. As with any vaccine, there is the possibility that broad use of the vaccine could reveal adverse reactions not observed in clinical trials.

In three clinical studies, 434 doses of RECOMBIVAX HB, 5 mcg, were administered to 147 healthy infants and children (up to 10 years of age) who were monitored for 5 days after each dose. Injection site reactions and systemic complaints were reported following 0.2% and 10.4% of the injections, respectively. The most frequently reported systemic adverse reactions ( > 1% injections), in decreasing order of frequency, were irritability, fever ( ≥ 101°F oral equivalent), diarrhea, fatigue/weakness, diminished appetite, and rhinitis.¹⁰

In a study that compared the three-dose regimen (5 mcg) with the two-dose regimen (10 mcg) of RECOMBIVAX HB in adolescents, the overall frequency of adverse reactions was generally similar.

In a group of studies, 3258 doses of RECOMBIVAX HB, 10 mcg, were administered to 1252 healthy adults who were monitored for 5 days after each dose. Injection site reactions and systemic complaints were reported following 17% and 15% of the injections, respectively. The following adverse reactions were reported:

Incidence Equal To or Greater Than 1% of Injections

LOCAL REACTION (INJECTION SITE)

Injection site reactions consisting principally of soreness, and including pain, tenderness, pruritus, erythema, ecchymosis, swelling, warmth, and nodule formation.

BODY AS A WHOLE

The most frequent systemic complaints include fatigue/weakness; headache; fever ( ≥ 100°F); and malaise.

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Nausea; and diarrhea

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Pharyngitis; and upper respiratory infection

Incidence Less Than 1% of Injections

BODY AS A WHOLE

Sweating; achiness; sensation of warmth; lightheadedness; chills; and flushing

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Vomiting; abdominal pains/cramps; dyspepsia; and diminished appetite

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Rhinitis; influenza; and cough

NERVOUS SYSTEM

Vertigo/dizziness; and paresthesia

INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

Pruritus; rash (non-specified); angioedema; and urticaria

MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM

Arthralgia including monoarticular; myalgia; back pain; neck pain; shoulder pain; and neck stiffness

HEMIC/LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

Lymphadenopathy

PSYCHIATRIC/BEHAVIORAL

Insomnia/disturbed sleep

SPECIAL SENSES

Earache

UROGENITAL SYSTEM

Dysuria

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

Hypotension

Marketed Experience

The following additional adverse reactions have been reported with use of the marketed vaccine. In many instances, the relationship to the vaccine was unclear.

Hypersensitivity

Anaphylaxis and symptoms of immediate hypersensitivity reactions including rash, pruritus, urticaria, edema, angioedema, dyspnea, chest discomfort, bronchial spasm, palpitation, or symptoms consistent with a hypotensive episode have been reported within the first few hours after vaccination. An apparent hypersensitivity syndrome (serum-sickness-like) of delayed onset has been reported days to weeks after vaccination, including: arthralgia/arthritis (usually transient), fever, and dermatologic reactions such as urticaria, erythema multiforme, ecchymoses and erythema nodosum (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS).

Digestive System

Elevation of liver enzymes; constipation

Nervous System

Guillain-Barré Syndrome; multiple sclerosis; exacerbation of multiple sclerosis; myelitis including transverse myelitis; seizure; febrile seizure; peripheral neuropathy including Bell's Palsy; radiculopathy; herpes zoster; migraine; muscle weakness; hypesthesia; encephalitis

Integumentary System

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome; alopecia; petechiae; eczema

Musculoskeletal System

Arthritis

Pain in extremity

Hematologic

Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate; thrombocytopenia

Immune System

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); lupus-like syndrome; vasculitis; polyarteritis nodosa

Psychiatric/Behavioral

Irritability; agitation; somnolence

Special Senses

Optic neuritis; tinnitus; conjunctivitis; visual disturbances

Cardiovascular System

Syncope; tachycardia.

The following adverse reaction has been reported with another Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant) but not with RECOMBIVAX HB: keratitis.

Patients, parents and guardians should be instructed to report any serious adverse reactions to their healthcare provider, who in turn should report such events to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), 1-800-822-7967.31

There are no known drug interactions. (See INDICATIONS AND USAGE, Use with Other Vaccines.)

Last updated on RxList: 9/2/2008

Patients who develop symptoms suggestive of hypersensitivity after an injection should not receive further injections of the vaccine (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Because of the long incubation period for hepatitis B, it is possible for unrecognized infection to be present at the time the vaccine is given. The vaccine may not prevent hepatitis B in such patients.

General

As with any percutaneous vaccine, epinephrine (1:1000) should be available for immediate use should an anaphylactoid reaction occur.

Any serious active infection including febrile illness is reason for delaying use of the vaccine except when in the opinion of the physician, withholding the vaccine entails a greater risk.

Caution and appropriate care should be exercised in administering the vaccine to individuals with severely compromised cardiopulmonary status or to others in whom a febrile or systemic reaction could pose a significant risk.

Instructions to Healthcare Provider

The healthcare provider should determine the current health status and previous vaccination history of the vaccinee.

The healthcare provider should question the patient, parent or guardian about reactions to a previous dose of RECOMBIVAX HB or other hepatitis B vaccines.

The healthcare provider must record in the patient's permanent record: the manufacturer, lot number, date of administration, and the name and address of the person administering the vaccine.

Injection of a blood vessel should be avoided.

Information for Vaccine Recipients and Parents/Guardians

The healthcare provider should provide the vaccine information required to be given with each vaccination to the patient, parent or guardian.

The healthcare provider should inform the patient, parent or guardian of the benefits and risks associated with vaccination, as well as the importance of completing the immunization series. For risks associated with vaccination, see WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, and ADVERSE REACTIONS.

Patients, parents and guardians should be instructed to report any serious adverse reactions to their healthcare provider, who in turn should report such events to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), 1-800-822-7967.³¹ The healthcare provider should inform the parent or guardian of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP), 1-800-338-2382.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

RECOMBIVAX HB has not been evaluated for its carcinogenic or mutagenic potential, or its potential to impair fertility.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with the vaccine. It is also not known whether the vaccine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. The vaccine should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether the vaccine is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when the vaccine is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

RECOMBIVAX HB has been shown to be usually well-tolerated and highly immunogenic in infants and children of all ages. Newborns also respond well; maternally transferred antibodies do not interfere with the active immune response to the vaccine. See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION for recommended pediatric dosage and for recommended dosage for infants born to HBsAg positive mothers.

The safety and effectiveness of RECOMBIVAX HB Dialysis Formulation in children have not been established.

Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of RECOMBIVAX HB did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reports from the clinical literature indicate that hepatitis B vaccines are less immunogenic in adults aged 65 years or older than in younger individuals.³² No overall differences in safety were observed between these subjects and younger subjects.

REFERENCES

10. Data on file at Merck Research Laboratories.

31. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System - United States. MMWR 39(41): 730-733, October 19, 1990.

32. Zajac, B.A.; West, D.J.; McAleer, W.J.; Scolnick, E.M.: Overview of Clinical Studies with Hepatitis B Vaccine Made by Recombinant DNA, J. Infection, 13(Sup. A): 39-45, July 1986.

Last updated on RxList: 9/2/2008

No information provided.

Hypersensitivity to yeast or any component of the vaccine.

Last updated on RxList: 9/2/2008

Hepatitis B virus is one of several hepatitis viruses that cause a systemic infection, with a major pathology in the liver. These include hepatitis A virus, hepatitis D virus, and hepatitis C and E viruses, previously referred to as non-A, non-B hepatitis viruses.

Hepatitis B virus is an important cause of viral hepatitis. There is no specific treatment for this disease. The incubation period for hepatitis B is relatively long; six weeks to six months may elapse between exposure and the onset of clinical symptoms. The prognosis following infection with hepatitis B virus is variable and dependent on at least three factors: (1) Age - Infants and younger children usually experience milder initial disease than older persons;¹ (2) Dose of virus - The higher the dose, the more likely acute icteric hepatitis B will result;¹ and, (3) Severity of associated underlying disease - Underlying malignancy or pre-existing hepatic disease predisposes to increased morbidity and mortality.¹

Persistence of viral infection (the chronic hepatitis B virus carrier state) occurs in 5-10% of persons following acute hepatitis B, and occurs more frequently after initial anicteric hepatitis B than after initial icteric disease. Consequently, carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) frequently give no history of having had recognized acute hepatitis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are more than 300 million chronic carriers worldwide and 1.25 million chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus in the USA.^29,30 Chronic carriers represent the largest human reservoir of hepatitis B virus.

Serious complications and sequelae of hepatitis B virus infection include massive hepatic necrosis, cirrhosis of the liver and chronic active hepatitis. More than one million people worldwide die each year of hepatitis B-associated acute and chronic liver disease.33 In the United States, hepatitis B-virus-related acute and chronic liver disease causes approximately 4-5000 deaths annually.^29,30

Reduced Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is another serious complication of hepatitis B virus infection. Studies have demonstrated the link between chronic hepatitis B infection and hepatocellular carcinoma; 80% of primary liver cancers are caused by hepatitis B virus infection. The CDC has recognized hepatitis B vaccine as the first anti-cancer vaccine because it can prevent primary liver cancer.³⁴

There is also evidence that several diseases other than hepatitis have been associated with hepatitis B virus infection through an immunologic mechanism involving antigen-antibody complexes. Such diseases include a syndrome with rash, urticaria, and arthralgia resembling serum sickness; periarteritis nodosa; membranous glomerulonephritis; and infantile papular acrodermatitis.^3,4

Although the vehicles for transmission of the virus are often blood and blood products, viral antigen has also been found in tears, saliva, breast milk, urine, semen and vaginal secretions. Hepatitis B virus is capable of surviving at least a month29 on environmental surfaces exposed to body fluids containing hepatitis B virus. Infection may occur when hepatitis B virus, transmitted by infected body fluids, is implanted via mucous surfaces or percutaneously introduced through accidental or deliberate breaks in the skin.

Transmission of hepatitis B virus infection is often associated with close interpersonal contact with an infected individual and with crowded living conditions. In such circumstances, transmission by inoculation via routes other than overt percutaneous ones may be quite common.¹ Perinatal transmission of hepatitis B infection from infected mother to child, at or shortly after birth, can occur if the mother is a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carrier or if the mother has an acute hepatitis B infection in the third trimester. Infection in infancy by the hepatitis B virus usually leads to the chronic carrier state. Without prophylaxis, infants born to women whose sera are positive for both the hepatitis B surface antigen and the e antigen have an 85-90% likelihood of being infected and becoming a chronic carrier.^5,6 Wellcontrolled studies have shown that administration of three 0.5 mL doses of Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (Human) - HBIG starting at birth is 75% effective in preventing establishment of the chronic carrier state in these infants during the first year of life.6 However, the protective effect of HBIG is transient.

Hepatitis B is endemic throughout the world and is a serious medical problem in population groups at increased risk. Because vaccination limited to high-risk individuals has failed to substantially lower the overall incidence of hepatitis B infection, both the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have also endorsed universal infant immunization as part of a comprehensive strategy for the control of hepatitis B infection.^7,8 In addition, the ACIP also recommends hepatitis B vaccination for all infants and children born after November 21, 1991 and catch-up vaccination of children at high risk of infection (children < 11 years of age in households of Pacific Islander ethnicity or of first generation immigrants/refugees from countries with an intermediate or high endemicity of infection).³⁰ These advisory groups further Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant) 7994332 recommend broad-based vaccination of adolescents. The ACIP recommends that all individuals not previously vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine be vaccinated at 11-12 years of age with the ageappropriate dose of vaccine and that the vaccination schedule take into account the feasibility of delivering three doses of vaccine to this age group. In addition, older unvaccinated adolescents with identified risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection should also be vaccinated.30 Similarly, the AAP recommends that universal immunization of all adolescents should be implemented when resources permit with emphasis on those individuals in high-risk settings.⁸ A National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference Panel on the management of hepatitis C recommends the immunization of all hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive individuals with hepatitis B vaccine.³⁵ (Refer to INDICATIONS AND USAGE.)

Numerous epidemiological studies have shown that persons who develop anti-HBs following active infection with the hepatitis B virus are protected against the disease on re-exposure to the virus.⁹

Clinical studies have shown that RECOMBIVAX HB when injected into the deltoid muscle induced protective levels of antibody in 96% of 1213 healthy adults who received the recommended 3-dose regimen. Antibody responses varied with age; a protective level of antibody was induced in 98% of 787 young adults 20-29 years of age, 94% of 249 adults 30-39 years of age and in 89% of 177 adults ≥ 40 years of age.¹⁰ Studies with hepatitis B vaccine derived from plasma have shown that a lower response rate (81%) to vaccine may be obtained if the vaccine is administered as a buttock injection.¹¹Seroconversion rates and geometric mean antibody titers were measured 1 to 2 months after the third dose. Multiple clinical studies have defined a protective antibody (anti-HBs) level as 1) 10 or more sample ratio units (SRU) as determined by radioimmunoassay or 2) a positive result as determined by enzyme immunoassay.2 Note: 10 SRU is comparable to 10 mIU/mL of antibody.^12,13,14,15

RECOMBIVAX HB was shown to be highly immunogenic in clinical studies involving infants, children, and adolescents. Three 5 mcg doses of vaccine induced a protective level of antibody in 100% of 92 infants, 99% of 129 children, and in 99% of 112 adolescents¹⁰ (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

The protective efficacy of three 5 mcg doses of RECOMBIVAX HB has been demonstrated in neonates born of mothers positive for both HBsAg and HBeAg (a core-associated antigenic complex which correlates with high infectivity). In a clinical study of infants who received one dose of HBIG at birth followed by the recommended three-dose regimen of RECOMBIVAX HB, chronic infection had not occurred in 96% of 130 infants after nine months of follow-up.¹⁶ The estimated efficacy in prevention of chronic hepatitis B infection was 95% as compared to the infection rate in untreated historical controls.¹⁷ Significantly fewer neonates became chronically infected when given one dose of HBIG at birth followed by the recommended three-dose regimen of RECOMBIVAX HB when compared to historical controls who received only a single dose of HBIG.⁶ Testing for HBsAg and anti-HBs is recommended at 12-15 months of age. If HBsAg is not detectable, and anti-HBs is present, the child has been protected.

As demonstrated in the above study, HBIG, when administered simultaneously with RECOMBIVAX HB at separate body sites, did not interfere with the induction of protective antibodies against hepatitis B virus elicited by the vaccine.

For adolescents (11 through 15 years of age), the immunogenicity of a two-dose regimen (10 mcg at 0 and 4-6 months) was compared with that of the standard three-dose regimen (5 mcg at 0, 1, and 6 months) in an open, randomized, multicenter study. The proportion of adolescents receiving the two-dose regimen who developed a protective level of antibody one month after the last dose (99% of 255 subjects) appears similar to that among adolescents who received the three-dose regimen (98% of 121 subjects). After adolescents (11 through 15 years of age) received the first 10-mcg dose of the two-dose regimen, the proportion who developed a protective level of antibody was approximately 72%.¹⁰

In one published study, the seroprotection rates in individuals with chronic HCV infection given the standard regimen of RECOMBIVAX HB was approximately 70%.³⁶ In a second published study of intravenous drug users given an accelerated schedule of RECOMBIVAX HB, infection with HCV did not affect the response to RECOMBIVAX HB.³⁷

As with other hepatitis B vaccines, the duration of the protective effect of RECOMBIVAX HB in healthy vaccinees is unknown at present, and the need for booster doses is not yet defined. However, long-term follow-up (5 to 9 years) of approximately 3000 high-risk vaccinees (infants of carrier mothers, male homosexuals, Alaskan Natives) who developed an anti-HBs titer of ≥ 10 mIU/mL when given a similar plasma-derived vaccine at intervals of 0, 1, and 6 months showed that no subjects developed clinically apparent hepatitis B infection and that 5 subjects developed antigenemia, even though up to half of the subjects failed to maintain a titer at this level.^18-21 Persistence of vaccine-induced immunologic memory among healthy vaccinees who responded to a primary course of plasma-derived or recombinant hepatitis B vaccine has been demonstrated by an anamnestic antibody response to a booster dose of RECOMBIVAX HB given 5-12 years later.²²

Predialysis and Dialysis Patients

Predialysis and dialysis adult patients respond less well to hepatitis B vaccines than do healthy individuals; however, vaccination of adult patients early in the course of their renal disease produces higher seroconversion rates than vaccination after dialysis has been initiated.30 In addition, the responses to these vaccines may be lower if the vaccine is administered as a buttock injection. When 40 mcg of Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant), was administered in the deltoid muscle, 89% of 28 participants developed anti-HBs with 86% achieving levels ¡Ý10 mIU/mL. However, when the same dosage of this vaccine was administered inappropriately either in the buttock or a combination of buttock and deltoid, 62% of 47 participants developed anti-HBs with 55% achieving levels of ≥ 10 mIU/mL.¹⁰

A booster dose or revaccination with RECOMBIVAX HB Dialysis Formulation may be considered in predialysis/dialysis patients if the anti-HBs level is less than 10 mIU/mL.²³

Reports in the literature describe a more virulent form of hepatitis B associated with superinfections or coinfections by delta virus, an incomplete RNA virus. Delta virus can only infect and cause illness in persons infected with hepatitis B virus since the delta agent requires a coat of HBsAg in order to become infectious. Therefore, persons immune to hepatitis B virus infection should also be immune to delta virus infection.²

Interchangeability of Plasma-Derived and Recombinant Hepatitis B Vaccines

Although there have been no clinical studies in which a three-dose vaccine series was initiated with HEPTAVAX-B* (Hepatitis B Vaccine) and completed with RECOMBIVAX HB, or vice versa, extensive in vitroand in vivo studies have demonstrated that these two vaccines are immunologically comparable.^22,24-28

REFERENCES

1. Robinson, W.S.: Hepatitis B Virus and the Delta Virus, in “Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases,” G.L. Mandell; R.G. Douglas; J.E. Bennett (eds), vol. 2, New York, John Wiley & Sons, 1002-1029, 1985.

2. Recommendation of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP): Protection Against Viral Hepatitis, MMWR 39(RR-2): 5-22, Feb. 9, 1990.

3. Balistreri, W.F.: Viral Hepatitis, Unique Aspects of Infection During Childhood, Consultant 24(4): 131-153 passim, April 1984.

4. Robinson, W.S.: Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis Delta Virus, in “Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases,” G.L. Mandell, R.G. Douglas, and J.E. Bennett (eds), Churchill Livingstone, 1204-1231, 1990.

5. Stevens, C.E.; Toy, P.T.; Tong, M.J.; Taylor, P.E.; Vyas, G.N.; Nair, P.V.; Gudavalli, M.; Krugman, S.: Perinatal Hepatitis B Virus Transmission in the United States, JAMA 253(12): 1740-1745, 1985.

6. Beasley, R.P.; Hwang, L.; Stevens, C.E.; Lin, C.; Hsieh, F.; Wang, K.; Sun, T.; Szmuness, W.: Efficacy of Hepatitis B Immune Globulin for Prevention of Perinatal Transmission of the Hepatitis B Virus Carrier State: Final Report of a Randomized Double- Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial, Hepatology 3: 135-141, 1983.

7. Recommendations of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP): Hepatitis B Virus: A Comprehensive Strategy for Eliminating Transmission in the United States Through Universal Childhood Vaccination, MMWR 40(RR-13): 1-25, November 22, 1991.

8. Universal Hepatitis B Immunization, Committee on Infectious Diseases, Pediatrics89(4): 795-800, 1992.

9. Melnick, J.L.: Historical Aspects of Hepatitis B Vaccine, in “Hepatitis B Vaccine INSERM Symposium No. 18,” P. Maupas and P. Guesry (eds), Elsevier/North-Holland Biomedical Press, 23-31, 1981.

10. Data on file at Merck Research Laboratories.

11. Centers for Disease Control: Suboptimal Response to Hepatitis B Vaccine Given by Injection into the Buttock. MMWR 34(8): 105-113, March 1, 1985.

12. Hadler, S.C., et al.: Long-term Immunogenicity and Efficacy of Hepatitis B Vaccine in Homosexual Men, NEJM 315: 209-214, 1986.

13. Szmuness, W.; Stevens, C.E.; Horley, H.J., et al.: Hepatitis B Vaccine. Demonstration of Efficacy in a Controlled Clinical Trial in a High-risk Population in the United States. NEJM 303: 833-841, 1980.

14. Francis, D.P.; Hadler, S.C.; Thompson, S.E., et al.: The Prevention of Hepatitis B with Vaccine. Report of the Centers for Disease Control Multi-center Efficacy Trial among Homosexual Men. Ann. Int. Med. 97: 362-366, 1982.

15. Szmuness, W.; Stevens, C.E.; Horley, H.J., et al.: Hepatitis B Vaccine in Medical Staff of Hemodialysis Units. Efficacy and Subtype Cross-protection, NEJM 307: 1481-1486, 1982.

16. Stevens, C.E.; Taylor, P.E.; Tong, M.J., et al.: Prevention of Perinatal Hepatitis B Virus Infection with Hepatitis B Immune Globulin and Hepatitis B Vaccine, in Zuckerman, A.J. (ed.), “Viral Hepatitis and Liver Diseases”, Alan R. Liss, 982-983, 1988.

17. Stevens, C.E.; Taylor, P.E.; Tong, M.J., et al.: Yeast-Recombinant Hepatitis B Vaccine, Efficacy with Hepatitis B Immune Globulin in Prevention of Perinatal Hepatitis B Virus Transmission, JAMA 257(19): 2612-2616, 1987.

18. Wainwright, R.B.; McMahon, B.J.; Bulkow, L.R., et al.: Duration of Immunogenicity and Efficacy of Hepatitis B Vaccine in a Yupik Eskimo Population, Preliminary Results of an 8-Year Study, in “Viral Hepatitis and Liver Disease,” F.B. Hollinger, S.M. Lemon, and H. Margolis (eds), Williams & Wilkins, 762-766, 1990.

19. Hadler, S.C.; Coleman, P.J.; O'Malley, P., et al.: Evaluation of Long-Term Protection by Hepatitis B Vaccine for Seven to Nine Years in Homosexual Men, in “Viral Hepatitis and Liver Disease,” F.B. Hollinger, S.M. Lemon, and H. Margolis (eds), Williams & Wilkins, 766-768, 1990.

20. Tong, M.J.; Stevens, C.E.; Taylor, P.E., et al.: Prevention of Hepatitis B Infection in Infants Born to HBeAg Positive HbsAg Carrier Mothers in the United States, in “An Update, 1989, Progress in Hepatitis B Immunization,” P. Coursaget and M.J. Tong (eds), Colloque INSERM/John Libbey Eurotext Ltd., Vol. 194, 339-345, 1990.

21. Hwang, L-Y.; Lee, C-Y.; and Beasley, R.P.: Five-Year Follow-up of HBV Vaccination with Plasma-derived Vaccine in Neonates: Evaluation of Immunogenicity and Efficacy Against Perinatal Transmission, in “Viral Hepatitis and Liver Disease,” F.B. Hollinger, S.M. Lemon, and H. Margolis (eds), Williams & Wilkins, 759-761, 1990.

22. West, D.J.; Calandra, G.B.: Vaccine Induced Immunologic Memory for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen; Implications for Policy on Booster Vaccination, Vaccine, 14(11): 1019-1027, 1996.

23. Recommendations of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP): Update on Hepatitis B Prevention, MMWR 36(23): 353-366, June 19, 1987.

24. Emini, E.A.; Ellis, R.W.; Miller, W.J.; McAleer, W.J.; Scolnick, E.M. and Gerety, R.J.: Production and Immunological Analysis of Recombinant Hepatitis B Vaccine, J. Infection, 13(Sup. A): 3-9, 1986.

25. Brown, S.E.; Stanley, C.; Howard, C.R.; Zuckerman, A.J.; Steward, M.W.: Antibody Responses to Recombinant and Plasma- derived Hepatitis B Vaccines, Brit. Med. J., 292: 159-161, 1986.

26. Yamamoto, S.; Kuroki, T.; Kurai, K.; Iino, S.: Comparison of Results for Phase I Studies with Recombinant and Plasma-derived Hepatitis B Vaccines, and Controlled Study Comparing Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Injections of Recombinant Hepatitis B Vaccine, J. Infection, 13(Sup. A): 53-60, 1986.

27. Jilg, W.; Schmidt, M.; Zoulek, G.; Lorbeer, B.; Wilske, B.; Deinhardt, F.: Clinical Evaluation of a Recombinant Hepatitis B Vaccine, Lancet, 1174-1175, Nov. 24, 1984.

28. Schalm, S.W.; Heytink, R.A.; Kruining, H.; Bakker-Bendik, M.: Immunogenicity of Recombinant Yeast Hepatitis-B Vaccine, Neth. J. Med. 29: 28, 1986.

29. Centers for Disease Control: Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-preventative Diseases, W. Atkinson, L. Furphy, J. Gantt, M. Mayfield, G. Phyne (eds), chapter 9.

30. Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP): Hepatitis B Virus Infection: A Comprehensive Strategy to Eliminate Transmission in the United States, 1996 update, MMWR (draft January 13, 1996).

34. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Federal Register, February 23, 1999, 64(35): 9044-9045.

35. National Institutes of Health, National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference Panel Statement: Management of Hepatitis C, Hepatology, 26(Suppl. 1): 2S-10S, 1997.

36. Wiedmann, M.; Liebert, U.G.; Oesen, U.; Porst, H.; Wiese, M.; Schroeder, S.; Halm, U.; Mossner, J.; Berr, F.: Decreased Immunogenicity of Recombinant Hepatitis B Vaccine in Chronic Hepatitis C, Hepatology, 31: 230-234, 2000.

37. Minniti, F.; Baldo, V.; Trivello, R.; Bricolo, R.; Di Furia, L.; Renzulli, G.; Chiaramonte, M.: Response to HBV vaccine in Relation to anti-HCV and anti-HBc Positivity: a Study in Intravenous Drug Addicts, Vaccine, 17: 3083-3085, 1999.

Last updated on RxList: 9/2/2008

No information provided. Please refer to the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS sections.

Last updated on RxList: 9/2/2008

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

HEPATITIS B VACCINE - INJECTION

(hep-uh-TIE-tuss B)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Engerix-B, Recombivax HB

USES: This medication is used to help prevent infection from the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B infection can cause serious problems including liver failure, persistent hepatitis B infection, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Preventing infection can prevent theses problems.

Hepatitis B vaccine is a genetically engineered (man-made in the laboratory) piece of the virus. It does not contain live virus, so you can not get hepatitis from the vaccine. This vaccine causes the body to make immune defensive substances (antibodies) against hepatitis B virus that can protect you from infection with it. Hepatitis B vaccine does not protect you from other virus infections (e.g., HIV virus which causes AIDS, hepatitis A/C/E, HPV virus which causes genital warts and other problems).

The vaccine is recommended for persons of all ages, especially those at an increased risk of getting the infection. Those at an increased risk include health care personnel, laboratory workers who handle blood and patient specimens, police, fire and emergency medical personnel who give first aid treatment, hemophiliacs, dialysis patients, household and intimate contacts of persons with persistent hepatitis B infections, persons with multiple sex partners, men who have sex with men, sex workers, injection drug abusers, and persons traveling to high-risk areas.

HOW TO USE: This vaccine is usually given by injection into a muscle (shoulder or thigh) by a health care professional. Injection under the skin may be used if you have a bleeding disorder. Hepatitis B vaccine is a slightly milky, white suspension. Before giving this medication, inspect it visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Shake the vial or prefilled syringe well before giving the dose. Do not dilute. Use the full recommended dose of the vaccine. Discard any remaining vaccine left in single-dose vials.

A series of 3 to 4 injections is usually used over a 6- to 12-month period. Your doctor will give you a vaccination schedule, which must be followed closely for best effectiveness. If you have an infection with fever at the time a vaccination is scheduled, your doctor may choose to delay the injection until you are better.

Dosage is based on your age and risk of hepatitis B exposure.

If you are receiving the first hepatitis B vaccine injection at a time when your doctor feels you may have been exposed to hepatitis B, you will also receive an injection of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG). HBIG is a dose of antibodies against the virus and will immediately help protect you from developing an infection. These antibodies only last a few months. For long-term protection, it is important to follow your vaccination schedule exactly.

SIDE EFFECTS: Pain/redness/swelling at the injection site, fever, headache, and dizziness may occur. Rare side effects may include bruising/itching at the injection site, pain/stiffness in the arm/shoulder/neck, sweating, tiredness, weakness, chills, muscle/joint aches, cold symptoms, nausea, vomiting, temporary loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, swollen glands (lymph nodes), irritability, agitation, and trouble sleeping. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Report all side effects to your doctor before you receive the next injection.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/irregular heartbeat, heartburn, fainting, severe headache (migraine).

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: tingling/numbness, inability to make muscles of the legs/arms/face work (paralysis), vision changes, seizures, easy bruising/bleeding, mental/mood changes (e.g., unusual behavior, confusion, severe drowsiness, severe tiredness, stiff neck, visual sensitivity to light).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before getting hepatitis B vaccine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to yeast; or other vaccines; or if you have any other allergies. Some vials and prefilled syringes may use latex rubber stoppers or plungers. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to latex.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding problems (e.g., hemophilia, low platelets, anticoagulant treatment), current illness with fever.

Some brands of this product may contain a small amount of mercury from a preservative (thimerosal). Consult your doctor for more information.

If you are a hemodialysis patient, you may not respond as well to the vaccine and will need to have hepatitis B antibody levels checked yearly. If antibodies drop too low over time, you may be given a booster vaccine.

If you have decreased immune function from other medications (see also Drug Interactions) or other illness (e.g., HIV, leukemia, lymphoma, other cancer), your body may not make enough antibodies to protect you from hepatitis B infection. Antibody levels should be checked after the vaccine series.

The elderly may not make as many antibodies to the vaccine and should have their antibody levels checked after the vaccine series.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of medications that can decrease immune function: corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), cancer chemotherapy, organ transplant drugs (e.g., cyclosporine, azathioprine).

If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting the hepatitis B vaccine series.

Other vaccines may be given at the same time as hepatitis B vaccine, but should be given with separate syringes and at different injection sites.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., hepatitis B antibody levels) may be performed periodically for some patients at risk of a poor response to the vaccine. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: It is important to receive each vaccination as scheduled. Be sure to ask when each dose should be received and make a note on a calendar to help you remember.

STORAGE: Store refrigerated between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from light. Do not freeze. Discard any product that has been frozen. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.