Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated (hep-a-TYE-tis A VAX-een, in-AK-ti-vay-ted)

Prevents hepatitis A infection.

Brand Name(s):

Havrix, Havrix Pediatric, Vaqta, Vaqta Pediatric

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles. It is usually given in the thigh or upper arm.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how this vaccine works. Tell your doctor if you have recently received any treatment that weakens your immune system including cancer medicine, radiation treatment, or steroid medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have an active infection (including hepatitis A), bleeding problem, or a weak immune system.
• This vaccine may not protect everyone who receives it. This vaccine will not treat symptoms of hepatitis A infection if you already have the disease. It is very important to take precautions to reduce the risk of hepatitis A infection.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches
• Fever of 99.5 degrees F or higher
• Swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in your neck, armpit, or groin
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain or upset
• Headache
• Mild skin rash
• Pain, redness, swelling, itching, bruising, or a lump where the shot was given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088