Hepatitis A Vaccine (Inactivated) Solution for injection

Hepatitis A Vaccine (Inactivated) Solution for injection

March 22, 2017

Hepatitis A Vaccine (Inactivated) Solution for injection

What is this medicine?

HEPATITIS A VACCINE (hep uh TAHY tis A vak SEEN) is a vaccine to protect from an infection with the hepatitis A virus. This vaccine does not contain the live virus. It will not cause a hepatitis infection. This vaccine is also used with immunoglobulin to prevent infection in people who have been exposed to hepatitis A.

How should I use this medicine?

This vaccine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional.

A copy of Vaccine Information Statements will be given before each vaccination. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 months of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • seizures

  • yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • diarrhea

  • fever

  • loss of appetite

  • muscle pain

  • nausea

  • pain, redness, swelling, or irritation at site where injected

  • tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

  • medicines that suppress your immune function like adalimumab, anakinra, etanercept, infliximab

  • medicines to treat cancer

  • steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • bleeding disorder

  • fever or infection

  • heart disease

  • immune system problems

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to hepatitis A vaccine, latex, albumin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

See your health care provider for a booster shot of this vaccine as directed. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious or unusual side effects after getting this vaccine.

You will not have protection from the hepatitis A virus for at least 8 to 10 days after your first injection. The length of time you will have protection from hepatitis A virus infection is not known. Check with your doctor if you have questions about your immunity. See your doctor before you travel out of the country.

Updated:  

March 22, 2017