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.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
| Havrix 1440ELU/ML Suspension | GLAXO SMITH KLINE | 1/$64.73 or 3/$194.19 |
| Havrix 1440ELU/ML Suspension | GLAXO SMITH KLINE | 1/$72.88 or 3/$208.23 |
| Havrix 720ELU/0.5ML Suspension | GLAXO SMITH KLINE | 0/$39.99 or 1/$99.97 |
| Vaqta 25UNIT/0.5ML Injection | MERCK HUMAN HEALTH | 0/$32.73 or 1/$93.39 |
| Vaqta 50UNIT/ML Injection | MERCK HUMAN HEALTH | 1/$75.99 or 3/$209.98 |
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
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
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
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Who should NOT use this medication?
Monovalent HepA Vaccine (Havrix®, Vaqta®)
- Hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation, including neomycin.
- Previous hypersensitivity reaction to any HepA vaccine.
Fixed-combination Vaccine Containing HepA Vaccine and HepB Vaccine (HepA-HepB; Twinrix®)
- Hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation, including the HepA vaccine component (Havrix®), the HepB vaccine component (Engerix-B®), yeast, or neomycin.
- Previous hypersensitivity reaction to Twinrix® or monovalent HepA or HepB vaccines.
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.
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
Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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