Health Library

Hepatitis B immune globulin (By injection)

Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (hep-a-TYE-tis B i-MUNE-GLOB-ue-lin)

Prevents hepatitis B after exposure. Also prevents hepatitis B from occurring again after a liver transplant.

Brand Name(s):

HepaGam B, HepaGam B Novaplus, HyperHEP B, Nabi-HB

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• You may need more than 1 dose of this medicine. Talk with your doctor about your dose schedule.
• Hepatitis B vaccine is often used in addition to this medicine. Talk with your doctor about receiving hepatitis B vaccine.
• Missed dose: It is important that you receive all doses at the right times. If you miss a scheduled dose, call your doctor to make another appointment as soon as possible.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Wait at least 3 months after receiving this medicine before you get a flu shot or other vaccine. The other vaccines many not work as well if you get them too soon. However, you may get the hepatitis B vaccine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have blood clotting problems, diabetes, or heart problems. Also tell your doctor if you have immune globulin deficiency, especially IgA.
• This vaccine may cause the following problems:
  • Blood clots
• This medicine is made from donated human blood. Some human blood products have transmitted viruses, although the risk is low. Human donors and donated blood are both tested for viruses to keep the transmission risk low. Talk with your doctor about this risk if you are concerned.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results. This medicine contains maltose that will cause falsely high results on some blood sugar tests.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. 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
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood
• Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

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

• Pain or tenderness where the shot is 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

Last Updated: 9/6/2024