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|Twinrix

Twinrix

Twinrix is used for:

Preventing hepatitis A and B infections.

Twinrix is a vaccine. It works by stimulating the body to produce antibodies against hepatitis A and B.

Do NOT use Twinrix if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Twinrix , including yeast and neomycin
• you have had an allergic reaction to a hepatitis vaccine in the past

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Twinrix :

Some medical conditions may interact with Twinrix . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a weakened immune system, a bleeding disorder (eg, decreased blood platelets), heart or lung disease, a fever, an infection, an illness, a tumor, or multiple sclerosis

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Twinrix . However, no specific interactions with Twinrix are known at this time.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Twinrix may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Twinrix :

Use Twinrix as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Twinrix is usually administered as an injection at your doctor"s office, hospital, or clinic. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions that you may have about Twinrix .
• Shake well before using a dose.
• If you miss a dose of Twinrix , contact your doctor immediately.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Twinrix .

Important safety information:

• Before receiving this vaccine, tell your doctor about any illnesses you may have or if you are running a fever.
• To prevent hepatitis infections, 3 doses of Twinrix are required.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any previous hepatitis vaccines.
• Twinrix does not protect against hepatitis C infection.
• Twinrix may not prevent hepatitis A or B infection in individuals who are already infected at the time of vaccination.
• If all 3 doses of the vaccine are given on schedule, it is believed to remain protective against hepatitis A and B for at least 15 years. If you continue to be at risk for hepatitis A and B, check with your doctor for further instructions.
• Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or are on immunosuppressive therapy.
• Twinrix is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 18 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Twinrix during pregnancy. It is unknown if Twinrix is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Twinrix , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Twinrix :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; fatigue; fever; headache; nausea; pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; tiredness; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); fainting; fast heartbeat.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center ( http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Twinrix is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Twinrix at home, store Twinrix as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Twinrix out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Twinrix , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Twinrix is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Twinrix . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.