Engerix-B
Engerix-B is a vaccine that helps prevent hepatitis B infection and may also protect against hepatitis D.
Form
injektioneste, suspensio
Strength
10 mikrog/0.5 ml
Active Ingredient
Hepatitis B virus, surface antigen, rDNA
Manufacturer
GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA
How to Use
Dosage
The usual dose for newborns, children, and adolescents up to 15 years old is 10 micrograms/0.5 ml.
Method
It is given as an injection into a muscle in the upper arm (for children/adolescents) or the upper front thigh (for babies/toddlers). It can also be given under the skin if you bruise easily or have bleeding issues.
Important
Only one dose of 10 micrograms/0.5 ml is given at a time as part of the vaccination schedule.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Headache
- •Pain and redness at the injection site
- •Feeling tired
- •Irritability
- •Drowsiness
- •Feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting
- •Diarrhea or stomach pain
- •Loss of appetite
- •High fever
- •General feeling of being unwell
- •Swelling or hardening at the injection site
RARE
- •Dizziness
- •Muscle pain
- •Flu-like symptoms
- •Swollen glands
- •Hives, rash, and itching
- •Joint pain
- •Numbness or tingling
- •Easy bruising or prolonged bleeding
- •Low blood pressure
- •Sudden swelling of the face, mouth, or throat
- •Muscle weakness or paralysis
- •Nerve inflammation (e.g., Guillain-Barré syndrome causing pain, weakness, numbness)
- •Problems with vision or eye nerves (optic neuritis)
- •Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- •Brain inflammation (encephalitis, meningitis) or brain disease
- •Seizures
- •Reduced skin sensation
- •Purple or red skin spots/bumps
- •Stiff joints (arthritis)
- •For very premature babies (born at 28 weeks or earlier), longer pauses in breathing for 2-3 days after vaccination.
Important Warnings
- Do not take Engerix-B if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients, or if you have a high fever.
- Talk to your doctor if you have kidney problems and are on dialysis, or if you have a condition that affects your immune system.
- Fainting can occur before or after any injection; tell your doctor or nurse if you have fainted before during a shot.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you might be pregnant, or planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
- Like other vaccines, Engerix-B may not fully protect against Hepatitis B, especially if you are older, male, overweight, smoke, or have long-term health issues.