What is HepaGam NovaPlus?
HepaGamB NovaPlus contains proteins that are protective against type B hepatitis.HepaGam B novaPlus is used for the prevention of hepatitis B among people undergoing liver transplantation and babies born to mothers who are infected with hepatitis B. The drug is also used for people who are exposed to hepatitis B by contaminated blood products or sexual contact with infected persons.HepaGamB NovaPlus isn't a vaccine. It will not protect you from hepatitis B for a long time. You must get a hepatitis B vaccination such as Recombivax HB or Twinrix to receive long-term protection.HepaGam B NovaPlus can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of HepaGam B NovaPlus
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, and swelling of your throat.
HepaGam B NovaPlus may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Fever; mouth sores or red gums
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Liver problems: upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, and clay-colored stools. Jaundice.
- If you feel light-headed, short-of-breath, or have chest pains, there may be fluid around your lungs.
- Blood clots or stroke symptoms include sudden numbness, weakness, and chest pain. Other symptoms are rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, blood in the cough, or swelling of your arms or legs.
HepaGam NovaPlus side effects may include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach;
- Tiredness;
- Memory problems, agitation, and vision problems.
- Sore or stuffy throat symptoms of a cold include sneezing and a stuffy nose.
- Is it mild or is it a rash?
At the injection site, there may be pain, redness or tenderness.
There may be additional side effects. For medical advice about them, call your physician. The FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 if any adverse reactions arise and should be reported as soon as possible.
Similar/related drugs
HepaGam B, hepatitis B immune globulin, BayHep B, and Nabi-HB
Warnings
HepaGam B NovaPlus can increase your risk of blood clots. This is especially true if, for example, you have a heart condition or you've had a previous blood clot. It may also be a problem if, among other things, you're an older adult or bedridden.If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, blood in your cough, or any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to HepaGam B NovaPlus, it is best not to receive this medication.
HepaGam B NovaPlus can increase your risk of a blood clot, especially if:
- Heart disease coronary artery disease, history of blood clots
- Risk factors for coronary heart disease include menopause and smoking. Other risk factors are being overweight or obese, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, having a history of coronary disease in the family, and being older.
- If you must use a blood thinner,
- If you are 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 NovaPlus will be safe for you:
- An allergy to immune globulins in humans
- Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder or blood clotting disorder.
- Diabetes.
HepaGam® B NovaPlus contains human plasma, which can contain viruses or other infectious agents. Plasma donated is treated and tested to reduce the possibility of containing infectious agents. However, there is a very small chance that it may transmit disease. Speak to your doctor about any risks or benefits associated with using this medication.FDA pregnancy class C There is no information on whether HepaGam B NovaPlus can harm an unborn child. If you plan to get pregnant while taking this medication, tell your doctor.It is unknown if hepatitis B immunoglobulin can pass into breast milk or if this could harm a baby who is nursing. You should tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding a child.
How to take HepaGam NovaPlus?
HepaGam NovaPlus is administered through an infusion device into the muscle or vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare professional.HepaGam NovaPlus should be given as soon after exposure as possible, and ideally within seven days. The booster is given 24 hours after the first dose. When you begin treatment with this medication, your doctor may recommend that you also receive a hepatitis-B vaccine.HepaGam NovaPlus for liver transplants is administered as part of the procedure and continues to be given several weeks or even months later. Patients are usually administered the medication every day for seven days, every two weeks for 11 weeks, and then monthly thereafter.HepaGam NovaPlus 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, it is recommended that you also get a hepatitis B vaccination.
HepaGam NovaPlus 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. The booster shots will be given one month and six months after the initial hepatitis B vaccination.
- A second dose of HepaGam B NovaPlus is required if the baby has not received the first hepatitis B vaccination before 3 months of age.
- 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 NovaPlus 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 B NovaPlus.It can produce unusual results in certain lab tests that measure glucose levels (sugar). Inform any doctor that treats you about your use of HepaGam B NovaPlus.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed your appointment to receive HepaGam NovaPlus, 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?
You should not receive any "live" vaccinations while you are using HepaGam NovaPlus and for a minimum of 3 months following the end of your treatment. The vaccine might not protect you as well and work less effectively during this period. Live vaccines are available for measles (mumps), rubella (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
Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may also interact with hepatitis B immunoglobulin. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take.
