Category

• Immunizing agent, active

Description

Hepatitis ((hep-ah-TY-tiss)) A virus vaccine inactivated and hepatitis B virus vaccine recombinant is used to prevent infection caused by Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B in patients 18 years of age or older. The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease. Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are highly contagious, serious diseases of the liver.

The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is spread most often through infected food or water. Hepatitis A may also be spread by close person-to-person contact with infected persons (such as between persons living in the same household). Although some infected persons do not appear to be sick, they are still able to spread the virus to others.

Hepatitis A is less common in the U.S. and other areas of the world that have a higher level of sanitation and good water and sewage (waste) systems. However, it is a significant health problem in parts of the world that do not have such systems. If you are traveling to certain countries or remote (out-of-the-way) areas, hepatitis A vaccine will help protect you from hepatitis A disease.

Hepatitis B (HBV) is spread by contact with body fluids, such as blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal fluids; by needle sticks or sharing needles; or from mother to child.

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B combination vaccine is recommended for all persons 18 years of age or older who are at risk from infection from their jobs or some behaviors, or from traveling to the following parts of the world:

• Africa.
• the Caribbean.
• Central and South America.
• Eastern and southern Europe.
• the Middle East.
• South and southeast Asia (except Japan).
• the Soviet Union (former).

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B combination vaccine is also recommended for:

• Military personnel.
• Persons living in or moving to areas that have a high rate of HAV infection and who are at a high risk of HBV infection.
• Persons engaging in high-risk sexual activity, such as homosexual and bisexual males.
• Persons who use illegal injectable drugs.
• Persons at risk through their work, such as laboratory workers who handle live hepatitis A and hepatitis B virus, police and those who give first aid or medical help, and workers who come in contact with stool or sewage.
• People who work in child day-care centers and correctional facilities, residents of drug and alcohol treatment centers, and patients and staff in hemodialysis units.
• Patients who frequently receive blood and blood products, including those people who have problems with clotting, such as hemophiliacs.
• Persons with chronic liver disease.
• Healthcare workers who give first aid or emergency medical care.
• People who are at increased risk for HBV infection and who are in close contact with patients that have hepatitis A or B.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

Parenteral
• Injection (U.S.)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Twinrix