Drug Notes

Haemophilus B conjugate vaccine (By injection)

Haemophilus B Conjugate Vaccine (hee-MOF-i-lus B KON-joo-gate VAX-een)

Given to babies and young children to prevent infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria.

Brand Name(s):

ActHIB, Pedvaxhib

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• The exact schedule for your child's vaccines will vary depending on the brand of medicine used and your child's age at the time of the first dose. In general, your child will receive the first dose at 2 to 6 months of age, followed by 2 more doses at least 8 weeks apart. Your child will usually receive a booster dose at 15 to 18 months of age, although he or she can receive this medicine up until the age of 5 years.
• Your child may receive other vaccines at the same time as this one. You should receive information sheets on all of the vaccines. Make sure you understand all of the information given to you.

If a dose is missed:

• It is important that your child receive all of the doses of vaccine in this series. Try to keep all of your scheduled appointments.
• If your child does miss a dose of this vaccine, make another appointment as soon as possible.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if your child is also using any medicine that weakens the immune system (such as steroids, medicines to treat cancer or arthritis, or radiation). These medicines may cause the vaccine to be less effective.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if your child has had a severe reaction to any other vaccines, if your child has HIV or AIDS, a bleeding problem, cancer, problems with the immune system, or a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome (a severe nerve and muscle problem).
• Make sure your doctor knows if your child has an allergy to latex rubber. The vaccine syringes and vials may contain dry natural latex rubber. This may cause an allergic reaction in patients who are sensitive to latex.
• Tell your doctor if your child has any type of illness or infection (such as a cold or the flu), especially if your child has a fever. Your doctor may want to delay giving the shot until your child is well.
• It may take up to 2 weeks for your child's body to develop the ability to resist an infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b. There is a chance your child could become ill during this time with the bacteria.
• Patients who have problems with their immune systems, such as those who are getting medicine like prednisone, receiving chemotherapy for cancer, or who have HIV infection or AIDS, may not be fully protected by this vaccine. Because there may be some benefit, your child's doctor may still want to give the vaccine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fever over 103 degrees F.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Cough or runny nose.
• Crying.
• Diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
• Irritability.
• Low fever.
• Redness, pain, or swelling where the shot was given.
• Restlessness.
• Sleepiness or lack of energy.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017