HepaGam B

What is HepaGam B?

HepaGam is made of human plasma that contains proteins that provide protection against type B hepatitis.HepaGam B prevents hepatitis B for people who are receiving a liver transplant and for babies born to mothers with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can also be prevented in those who have been exposed through contaminated blood, sexual contact, or living with a person infected.HepaGam is not a vaccination. It will not protect you against hepatitis B for a long time. You must get a hepatitis B vaccination such as Engerix B, Recombivax HB, or Twinrix to receive long-term protection.Hepatitis B immunoglobulin can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.

Side effects of HepaGam B 

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.

If you experience:

• Fever, sores in the mouth, or red, swollen, or swelling gums
• A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
• Liver problems: upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine or stools, yellowing of the skin and eyes, etc.
• If you feel light-headed, short-of-breath, or have chest pains, there may be fluid around your lungs.
• Symptoms of a stroke or blood clot include sudden numbness (especially on one side), chest pain, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, coughing blood, and pain, swelling, heat, or redness on your arms or legs.

HepaGam side effects include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach;
• Back pain and tiredness
• Tremors, memory issues, agitation, and vision problems
• Cold symptoms include a stuffy nose, sneezing, and a sore throat.
• Mild rash
• Pain, bruising, or tenderness at the injection site.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.

Warnings

HepaGam may increase the risk of blood clots. This is especially true if your heart condition or blood-clot history are present, if blood thinners are required, if you are bedridden or older, and if you are taking birth control pills, hormone replacement, or using certain types of catheters.If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, blood in your cough, or any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.HepaGam B should not be administered if you're allergic to human serum globulins or have immunoglobulin deficiencies. HepaGam should not be administered into the muscle of a patient with a blood clotting or bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia.HepaGam is a product made from plasma (a part of blood), which may contain viruses or other infectious agents capable of causing disease. Donated human plasma is tested, screened, and treated in order to reduce the possibility that it contains anything that can cause disease. However, it is possible for it to transmit disease. Speak to your doctor about HepaGam's risks and benefits.

Before you take this drug

If you have an allergy to the hepatitis B immunoglobulin, then HepaGam B is not recommended for you.

HepaGam B can increase your risk for blood clots if you:

• Heart disease, coronary arterial disease (hardened arteries), a history of blood clots
• Risk factors for coronary heart disease include menopause, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a family history.
• If you must use a blood thinner,
• Are You Taking Birth Control Pills or Hormone Replacement Therapy?
• If you use certain types of catheters
• If you are bedridden or in any other way debilitated,

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that HepaGam B will be safe for you:

• An allergy to human immunoglobulins
• Hemophilia is characterized by a disorder of blood clotting or bleeding.
• Diabetes.

HepaGam is made of human plasma, which can contain viruses and infectious agents. Plasma donated is treated and tested to reduce the possibility of it being infected, but it is still possible that it can transmit disease. Speak to your doctor about any risks or benefits associated with using this medication.HepaGam B is in FDA pregnancy category C. There is no information on whether HepaGam B can harm an unborn child. If you plan to get pregnant or are already pregnant, tell your doctor.It is unknown if hepatitis B immunoglobulin can pass into breast milk or if a nursing infant could be harmed by it. You should tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding a child.

How to take HepaGam B?

HepaGam is injected through an infusion device into the muscle or vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare professional.HepaGam is given to prevent infection after exposure to blood contaminated by an infected individual as soon as possible, and preferably within seven days. The booster is given 24 hours after the first dose. When you begin treatment with HepaGam B, your doctor may recommend that you also receive a hepatitis B vaccination.

HepaGam is administered to liver transplant patients as part of their transplantation procedure and for a few weeks or months afterwards. Patients are usually administered the medication every day for seven days, every two weeks for 11 weeks, and then monthly thereafter.HepaGam B can be given in a single dose to prevent infection after sexual contact with a person who is infected within 14 days of the last contact. If you plan to continue having contact with an infected individual, you should receive a hepatitis B vaccination.HepaGam B is recommended for people living in the same home as an infected individual. This includes infants under 12 months, caregivers that may come in contact with blood from the infected, and those who share toothbrushes, razors, or other personal items. Hepatitis B vaccination may be required for household members.If the mother is infected with Hepatitis B, this medicine should be given to her baby within 12 hours of birth or as soon as it is medically stable.

The baby should receive the hepatitis B vaccination in a three-shot series, along with HepaGam B.

• The first hepatitis B vaccination is given to a child when they are 7 days old. Booster shots are given one month and six months after the initial hepatitis B vaccination.
• A second dose of HepaGamB must be administered if the baby has not received the first hepatitis-B vaccine by the time he reaches the age of three months.
• The schedule for your child may differ from the guidelines. You can follow your doctor's advice or the schedule set by the health department in the state where you live.
• If the baby is not vaccinated against hepatitis B, a second dose and a third dose of HepaGam B should be administered 3 and 6 months after the first. Please follow your doctor's advice.

You may need to have frequent blood tests while using HepaGam.It can produce unusual results in certain blood tests that measure glucose (sugar). Inform any doctor that you use HepaGam B.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you missed your appointment to receive your HepaGam-B injection, call your doctor and ask for instructions.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdoses are unlikely because this medication is administered by a health professional in a medical environment.

What should be avoided?

Avoid receiving a "live vaccine" while taking HepaGamB and for 3 months following the end of your treatment. During this period, the vaccine may not be as effective, and you may not be fully protected from disease. Live vaccines are available for measles (MMR), rubella, mumps (MMR), yellow fever, typhoid (typhoid), varicella, chickenpox, zoster, and influenza (nasal flu).During your treatment with HepaGam B, you can receive a hepatitis B vaccination.

Interaction with other drug

HepaGam may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, vitamins, and supplements. Inform your healthcare providers of all medications you are taking, including any new ones.