General: Prior to immunization with TWINRIX (hepatitis a inactivated & hepatitis b (recombinant) vaccine) , the patient's current health
status and medical history should be reviewed. The physician should review the
patient's immunization history for possible vaccine sensitivity, previous vaccination-related
adverse reactions and occurrence of any adverse-event-related symptoms and/or
signs, in order to determine the existence of any contraindication to immunization
with TWINRIX (hepatitis a inactivated & hepatitis b (recombinant) vaccine) and to allow an assessment of benefits and risks. Appropriate medical
treatment and supervision should be readily available for immediate use in case
of a rare anaphylactic reaction following the administration of the vaccine.
Epinephrine injection (1:1,000) and other appropriate agents used for the control
of immediate allergic reactions must be immediately available. As with other
vaccines, although a moderate or severe acute illness is sufficient reason to
postpone vaccination, minor illnesses such as mild upper respiratory infections
with or without low-grade fever are not contraindications.20
TWINRIX (hepatitis a inactivated & hepatitis b (recombinant) vaccine) should be given with caution in persons with bleeding disorders such
as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia and in persons on anticoagulant therapy, with
steps taken to avoid the risk of hematoma following the injection.20
A separate, sterile syringe and needle or a sterile disposable unit should
be used for each patient to prevent the transmission of other infectious agents
from person to person. Needles should be disposed of properly and should not
be recapped.
As with any vaccine, if administered to immunosuppressed persons, including
individuals receiving immunosuppressive therapy, the expected immune response
may not be obtained.
Multiple Sclerosis: Results from 2 clinical studies indicate that there
is no association between hepatitis B vaccination and the development of multiple
sclerosis,21 and that vaccination with hepatitis B vaccine does not
appear to increase the short-term risk of relapse in multiple sclerosis.22
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility: TWINRIX (hepatitis a inactivated & hepatitis b (recombinant) vaccine) has not
been evaluated for its carcinogenic potential, mutagenic potential, or potential
for impairment of fertility.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not
been conducted with TWINRIX (hepatitis a inactivated & hepatitis b (recombinant) vaccine) . It is also not known whether TWINRIX (hepatitis a inactivated & hepatitis b (recombinant) vaccine) can cause
fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction
capacity. TWINRIX should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly indicated
(see INDICATIONS AND USAGE).
Pregnancy Exposure Registry: Healthcare providers are encouraged to
register pregnant women who receive TWINRIX (hepatitis a inactivated & hepatitis b (recombinant) vaccine) in the GlaxoSmithKline vaccination
pregnancy registry by calling 1-888-825-5249.
Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether TWINRIX (hepatitis a inactivated & hepatitis b (recombinant) vaccine) is excreted in human
milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised
when TWINRIX (hepatitis a inactivated & hepatitis b (recombinant) vaccine) is administered to a nursing woman.
Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below
the age of 18 years have not been established.
Geriatric Use: Clinical studies of TWINRIX (hepatitis a inactivated & hepatitis b (recombinant) vaccine) did not include sufficient
numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently
from younger subjects.
References
20. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. General recommendations on immunization:
Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
MMWR 2006;55(RR-15):1-48.
21. Ascherio A, Zhang SM, Hernán MA, et al. Hepatitis B vaccination and the
risk of multiple sclerosis. N Engl J Med 2001;344(5):327-332.
22. Confavreux C, Suissa S, Saddier P, et al. Vaccination and the risk of relapse
in multiplesclerosis. N Engl J Med 2001;344(5):319-326.
Last reviewed on RxList: 4/30/2007
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.