Hepatitis A/hepatitis B vaccine (By injection)

Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated (hep-a-TYE-tis A VAX-een, in-AK-ti-vay-ted), Hepatitis B Vaccine Recombinant (hep-a-TYE-tis B VAX-een re-KOM-bin-ant)

Prevents infection caused by hepatitis A and hepatitis B viruses.

Brand Name(s):

Twinrix

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This vaccine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to hepatitis A or hepatitis B vaccine or to neomycin or yeast.

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.
This vaccine is usually given as 3 doses. The second dose is given 1 month after the first dose. The third dose is given 6 months after the first dose. However, your doctor may suggest a different schedule.
Missed dose: It is important that you receive each dose at the right time. If you miss your scheduled shot, call your doctor to 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.

Some foods and medicines can affect how this vaccine works. Tell your doctor if you have recently received any treatment that weakens the immune system, such as cancer medicine, radiation treatment, or a steroid.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are allergic to latex rubber. Also, tell your doctor if you have a weak immune system, or if you have been sick or had a fever recently.

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
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Fainting, trouble seeing, numbness

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

Headache
Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot is given
Tiredness

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