Recombivax HB Dialysis Formulation

Generic name: hepatitis B adult vaccine [ HEP-a-TYE-tis-B-a-DULT-VAX-een ]
Brand names: Engerix-B (HepB), Heplisav-B, Recombivax HB Adult, Recombivax HB Dialysis Formulation
Drug class: Viral vaccines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 4, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is hepatitis B vaccine?

Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver that is spread through blood or bodily fluids, sexual contact or sharing IV drug needles with an infected person, or during childbirth when the mother is infected. 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 vaccine is used to help prevent this disease in adults.

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

Vaccination with hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all adults who are at risk of getting hepatitis B. Like any vaccine, the hepatitis B vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

This vaccine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

The vaccination provider may want to watch you for a short time after your shot, to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction. You will be treated quickly if you have a reaction right after you receive the vaccine.

You should not receive this vaccine if the first shot of this vaccine caused an allergic reaction. Your doctor or vaccination provider will determine if you can safely receive this vaccine.

Not all possible side effects are known. Becoming infected with hepatitis B is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine.

Common side effects of Recombivax HB Dialysis Formulation may include:

• headache;

• tiredness; or

• redness, pain, swelling, or a lump where the shot was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1 800 822 7967.

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Warnings

Becoming infected with Hepatitis B is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine.

You should not receive another dose of this vaccine if you had a life threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

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.

Tell your doctor or vaccination provider if you have or have ever had:

• a fever;

• an allergy to yeast or latex;

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;

• have a weak immune system caused by disease or by using certain medicine;

• have received any other hepatitis vaccine or if you are scheduled to receive a vaccine; or

• have ever fainted when or after receiving an injection; or

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

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of this vaccine on the baby.

How is this vaccine given?

This vaccine is given as an injection into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

The hepatitis B vaccine is given in a series of 2 to 3 shots usually over 6 months.

Your doctor or vaccination provider will determine if you need an additional dose based on your condition.

Your individual vaccination schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by your local health department.

Be sure to receive all recommended doses of this vaccine, or you may not be fully protected against disease.

This vaccine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you if you recently received the hepatitis B vaccine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your vaccination provider or health department if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid before or after receiving this vaccine?

Avoid receiving other vaccines without first seeking medical advice.

What other drugs will affect hepatitis B vaccine?

Before receiving this vaccine, tell your vaccination provider about all other vaccines you have received. Other drugs may affect this vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

• Your vaccination provider, pharmacist, or doctor can provide more information about this vaccine. Additional information is available from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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