Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA)
Introduction To Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA)
Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) is an active immunizing agent. It is used for the prevention of hepatitis B infection in individuals considered at risk of exposure to hepatitis B virus.
Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) is administered by a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. For the vaccine to be effective, you have to receive all the doses.
It is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, it may cause fatigue and injection site reactions such as redness, swelling, or pain in some people. If you are bothered by such reactions, let the doctor know. The doctor may help with ways to reduce or prevent these symptoms.
To make sure the vaccine is safe, before receiving the vaccine, it is important to let the doctor know if you have any other illnesses. You should also tell the doctor about all the medicines you are taking. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult and seek advice from their doctor before receiving the vaccine.
Uses of Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA)
- Prevention of Hepatitis B infection
Benefits of Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA)
Prevention of Hepatitis B infection
Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) is used to protect against infection by the hepatitis B virus.
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. It can be spread
from a mother to her newborn baby, by sharing needles and other equipment
during drug use, by having sex with an infected person, by having a tattoo or
body piercing, and by sharing contaminated toothbrushes or razors. Hepatitis B
can be serious, but it does not always cause obvious symptoms. Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) is
given by an injection into a muscle as soon as possible after exposure to a
risk and will help prevent infection. It is recommended for all infants and
children up to age 18 years and adults in high-risk groups. This medicine does
not work if you already have hepatitis B.
Side effects of Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA)
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Hebexglob
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
- Inflammation of the nose
How to use Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA)
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) works
Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) is a vaccine which helps develop immunity by initiating a mild infection. This type of infection does not cause illness but stimulates the body's immune system to produce antibodies (proteins) to protect against any future infections.
Quick tips
- Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) is used for the prevention of hepatitis B infection.
- Inform your doctor if you are taking medications for cancer or HIV.
- Inform your doctor before taking the vaccine if you are old, obese or if you smoke.
- If you have an illness causing a high temperature, it is best to postpone vaccination until after the illness.
Safety Advice
PregnancySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) if I’m pregnant?
Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) if I’m breastfeeding?
Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
AlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Is drinking alcohol while taking Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) safe?
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA). Please consult your doctor.
DrivingSAFE
Can I drive after taking Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA)?
Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) does not usually affect your ability to drive.
KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) if I have/had kidney diseases?
Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) is recommended. However, please inform your doctor if you have an underlying kidney disease.
LiverSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) if I have/had liver diseases?
Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who all should get vaccinated with Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA)?
Everyone should get vaccinated with Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA). All infants, beginning at birth, all children aged up to 19 years who have not been vaccinated previously and persons with chronic liver disease, other than hepatitis B (e.g. cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, etc.) or those with HIV infection must also get this vaccination. Additionally, suspected sexual partners of hepatitis B-positive persons or victims of sexual assault (rape) or abuse are also advised to get vaccinated with Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) to be protected against Hepatitis B infection.
Q. Is hepatitis B infection curable?
No. In most cases, the symptoms of hepatitis B infection is resolved within 4-8 weeks but person remain infected for lifetime. In some cases, however, symptoms may persist for a longer time (chronic infection)
Q. Is hepatitis B infection fatal or life-threatening?
Yes. Hepatitis B infection symptoms, if present for a longer time, may cause chronic infection, liver cirrhosis or liver cancer and can also be life threatening.
Q. Is hepatitis B infection contagious?
Yes. Hepatitis B virus infection is contagious.
Q. Does it spread through saliva or sharing of food?
Yes. Hepatitis spreads through contact with the body fluids including saliva, blood, semen etc. of the infected person.
Q. Does hepatitis B vaccine cause fever?
Mild fever may occur after hepatitis B vaccine administration. Contact your doctor if your fever worsens or does not go away.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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