|
|
Havrix prefilled syringes or vials requires special storage conditions. Please call us toll free for more info.
HAVRIX is a vaccine used to prevent hepatitis A infection. The Havrix vaccine works by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against this disease. Hepatitis A is an infectious disease, which can affect the liver. This disease is caused by the hepatitis A virus. The hepatitis A virus can be passed from person to person in food and drink, or by swimming in water contaminated by sewage. Symptoms of hepatitis A begin 3 to 6 weeks after coming into contact with the virus. These consist of nausea (feeling sick), fever and aches and pains. After a few days the whites of eyes and skin may become yellowish (jaundice). The severity and type of symptoms can vary. Young children may not develop jaundice. Most people recover completely but the illness is usually severe enough to keep people off work for about a month. Hepatitis A is very common in many parts of the world, and the risk of infection is greatest in those areas where hygiene and sanitation are poor. Such areas include Asia, India, Africa, Central and South America, the Pacific Islands, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean basin. HAVRIX is recommended for all travellers to these areas, including people in the armed forces. Havrix vaccination is recommended for: healthcare workers day-care centre staff staff and residents of homes for the intellectually disabled sewage workers food handlers abusers of injectable drugs homosexual men people in contact with an infected person people with some types of liver or blood disorders. people in the armed forces travellers. There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Therefore Havrix vaccination is the best way to protect against infection in the longer term. Immunoglobulin protects you from hepatitis A straight away but is only effective for a short time (8-12 weeks). Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) will not protect against hepatitis caused by other agents or viruses (such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or hepatitis E). If a person if already infected with the hepatitis A virus at the time of vaccination, Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) may not prevent the disease in these people. Do not take Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) if you or your child has had an allergic reaction to Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine), or any ingredient contained in the Havrix vaccine. Signs of an allergic reaction to Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) may include itchy skin rash, shortness of breath and swelling of the face or tongue. Do not take the Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) while you or your child has a severe infection with a high temperature. Do not take expired Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering. Notify your doctor if: you are or think you may be pregnant or if you intend to become pregnant. Your doctor will discuss with you the possible risks and benefits of having Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) during pregnancy. It is not known if Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine)passes into breast milk, however the vaccine is not expected to cause problems in breast-fed babies. You should also not take the Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) if you or your child has any medical conditions, such as: a bleeding disorder. Sometimes Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) may need to be given differently in people with bleeding problems. Do not take the Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) if you have an immune deficiency condition (eg. AIDS or HIV positive) Any with kidney problems or allergies to any other medicines or substances, such as dyes, foods or preservatives should take Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine). Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) can be given at the same time as other vaccines including: hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, cholera (injectable) and tetanus. Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) can also be given at the same time as human immunoglobulin. Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) will always be given separately from other injections. You must inform your docto if you are taking any prescription or OTC (over-the-counter) medication especially medicines that suppress the immune system, such as steroids or cyclosporin. Some vaccines may be affected by other vaccines or medicines. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will be able to tell you what to do if Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) is to be given with another vaccine or medicine. Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) is generally given as a single dose on an elected date. If travelling overseas, Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) should be given at least 2 weeks before departure. This is so the body has time to respond to the vaccine. If there is a risk of hepatitis A infection occurring before immunity develops, human immunoglobulin may need to be given at the same time as Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine). After one dose of Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine), protection from hepatitis A lasts for at least 1 year. A second boostering dose, given 6 to 12 months after the first dose, gives longer term protection. It is not known how long booster dose protection lasts. Your doctor will advise on the need for booster dosing. Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) helps protect most people from hepatitis A, but it may have unwanted Havrix side effects in a few people. All medicines and vaccines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious; most of the time they are not. Some Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) side effects may need medical treatment. Most unwanted effects with Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) are mild and usually clear up within a few days. These effects, as with other vaccines, generally occur around the injection site. Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following that are troublesome or ongoing after Havrix vaccination: redness, swelling, a hard lump, soreness, bruising or itching around the injection site, feeling generally unwell, fever, or headache, loss of appetite, or feeling sick (nausea), vomiting. Contact your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department of your nearest hospital if any of the following happens after receiving Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine): swelling of limbs, face, eyes, inside of nose, mouth or throat shortness of breath, breathing or swallowing difficulties hives, itching (especially of the hands or feet), reddening of skin (especially around the ears), or severe skin reactions unusual tiredness or weakness that is sudden and severe, muscular aches and pains convulsions. Allergy to Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) is rare. Any such severe reactions will usually occur within the first few hours of vaccination. Keep Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) in the refrigerator stored between +2°C and +8°C. Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) SHOULD NEVER BE FROZEN. Keep the vaccine out of the reach of children. Keep HAVRIX in the original pack until it is time for it to be given. Although Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) is stable at room temperature for upto 3 weeks, it should be kept refrigerated until vaccination. Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) comes in glass vials or prefilled syringes. Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) is a white, slightly milky liquid. The active ingredient of Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) is the killed hepatitis A virus. The vaccine is not infectious, and will not give you hepatitis A. Two different vaccine strengths are available: HAVRIX 1440: 1440 ELISA units of killed hepatitis A virus in 1mL of liquid HAVRIX Junior: 720 ELISA units of killed hepatitis A virus in 0.5mL of liquid Inactive ingredients in the Havrix (hepatitis A vaccine) are: aluminium hydroxide, 2-phenoxyethanol, polysorbate 20, amino acids for injection, phosphate salts, sodium chloride, and water. Very small amounts of formaldehyde may also be present. Havrix is distributed by GlaxoSmithKline in Canada. |
 |
  |
|