Patient Leaflet Updated 15-Nov-2023 | Merck Sharp & Dohme (UK) Limited
HBVAXPRO 40mcg
HBVAXPRO® 40 micrograms suspension for injection
Hepatitis B vaccine (recombinant DNA)
1. What HBVAXPRO 40 micrograms is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you receive HBVAXPRO 40 micrograms
3. How HBVAXPRO 40 micrograms is given
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store HBVAXPRO 40 micrograms
6. Contents of the pack and other information
This vaccine is indicated for active immunisation against hepatitis B virus infection caused by all known subtypes in predialysis and dialysis adult patients.
It can be expected that hepatitis D will also be prevented by immunisation with HBVAXPRO as hepatitis D (caused by the delta agent) does not occur in the absence of hepatitis B infection.
The vaccine will not prevent infection caused by other agents such as hepatitis A, hepatitis C and hepatitis E and other pathogens known to infect the liver.
The container of this vaccine contains latex rubber. Latex rubber may cause severe allergic reactions.
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before you receive HBVAXPRO 40 micrograms.
HBVAXPRO can be administered at the same time as with hepatitis B immunoglobulin, at a separate injection site.
HBVAXPRO can be used to complete a primary immunisation course or as a booster dose in subjects who have previously received another hepatitis B vaccine.
HBVAXPRO can be administered at the same time as with other vaccines, using separate sites and syringes.
Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Caution should be exercised when prescribing the vaccine to pregnant or breast-feeding women.
Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse for advice before taking any medicine.
HBVAXPRO is expected to have no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
HBVAXPRO 40 micrograms contains sodium: This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’.
The recommended dose for each injection (1 mL) is 40 micrograms for predialysis and dialysis adult patients
A course of vaccination should include three injections.
The schedule is two injections with an interval of one month followed by a third injection 6 months after the first administration (0, 1, 6 months).
A booster dose must be considered in these vaccinees if the antibody level against hepatitis B virus surface antigen is less than 10 IU/l.
The vial should be well shaken until a slightly opaque white suspension is obtained.
The doctor or nurse will give the vaccine as an injection into muscle. The upper arm muscle is the preferred site for injection in adults.
This vaccine should never be given into a blood vessel.
Exceptionally, the vaccine may be administered subcutaneously in patients with thrombocytopaenia (diminution of blood platelets) or to persons at risk of haemorrhage.
If you miss a scheduled injection, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. Your doctor or nurse will decide when to give the missed dose.
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Like all medicines, this vaccine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
As with other hepatitis B vaccines, in many instances, the causal relationship of side effects to the vaccine has not been established.
The most common side effects seen are injection-site reactions: soreness, redness and hardening.
Other side effects are reported very rarely:
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Keep this vaccine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this vaccine after the expiry date which is stated on the label.
Store in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C).
Do not freeze.
Store in the original package in order to protect from light.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
The active substance is:
Hepatitis B virus surface antigen, recombinant (HBsAg) * ................... 40 micrograms
Adsorbed on amorphous aluminium hydroxyphosphate sulfate (0.50 milligram Al+)#
* produced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain 2150-2-3) yeast by recombinant DNA technology.
# Amorphous aluminium hydroxyphosphate sulfate is included in this vaccine as an adsorbant. Adsorbants are substances included in certain vaccines to accelerate, improve and/or prolong the protective effects of the vaccine.
The other ingredients are sodium chloride (NaCl), borax and water for injections.
HBVAXPRO 40 micrograms is a suspension for injection in a vial.
Pack size of 1 vial.
Marketing Authorisation Holder:
Manufacturer:
For any information about this vaccine, please contact:
This leaflet was last revised in October 2023.
120 Moorgate, London, EC2M 6UR, UK
+44 (0)208 154 8000
+44 (0)2081548001
