HBvaxPRO

What is it?

A preparation of genetically derived surface antigen, available in different strengths comprising 5µg, 10µg or 40µg per ml of hepatitis B surface antigen adsorbed onto aluminium hydroxyphosphate sulphate, all as a suspension in vials for injection.

Medical Uses

Active immunisation against hepatitis B viral infection.

Dosage

Adults and children aged over 16 years, lml of 10µg strength by intramuscular injection into shoulder, repeated after 4 weeks and 6 months. For rapid immunisation, same dose repeated after 1 month, 2 months and 1 year. For patients receiving dialysis or who are about to receive dialysis treatment, 1ml of 40µg strength by intramuscular injection, repeated after 4 weeks and 6 months. Children aged under 15 years, 0.5ml of 5µg strength by intramuscular injection (into shoulder in older children but into thigh in infants and young children), repeated after 4 weeks and 6 months. Rapid immunisation in children, same dose and delivery, repeated after 1 month, 2 months and 1 year. Newborn babies of HBeAg positive mothers should receive immunoglobulin at same time as first injection of HBvaxPRO, but this must be injected at a different site. Also, adults and children who have been recently exposed to hepatitis B virus, may need to be given hepatitis B immunoglobulin at same time as first injection of NBvaxPRO, but this should be injected at a different site.

Special Care

Pregnancy.

Avoid Use

Serious feverish illness.

Known Side Effects

Malaise, headache, aches and pains in muscles and joints, fever, 'flu-like symptoms, dizziness, soreness at injection site.

Manufacturer

Aventis Pasteur MSD.