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Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA]: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA] is indicated for active immunization against infection caused by all known subtypes of the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Forms:IM Injection

About Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA]

Indications of Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA]

Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA] is indicated for active immunization against infection caused by all known subtypes of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is used as follows:

  • Established/routine use: Universal immunization of infants, children, and adolescents as part of the routine national immunization schedule, regardless of the mother's hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) status.
  • Established/guideline-supported use in adults: Immunization of adults at increased risk of HBV exposure, including healthcare and laboratory workers, patients on hemodialysis or with chronic kidney disease, household and sexual contacts of HBsAg-positive persons, injection drug users, persons with multiple sexual partners, men who have sex with men, persons with chronic liver disease or HIV infection, inmates of correctional facilities, and international travelers to regions with high or intermediate HBV endemicity.
  • Adjunct/combination use: In infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers, Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA] is given in combination with hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) within 12 hours of birth for post-exposure prophylaxis; the vaccine alone is not sufficient in this setting.
  • Off-label/expanded use: Accelerated or post-exposure schedules (e.g., after needle-stick injury or sexual exposure) are used per clinical guidance and are considered an established but specialized application rather than routine dosing.

Dosage & Administration of Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA]

Standard Immunization Schedule

PopulationScheduleTypical Dose
Infants (routine schedule)3 doses at 0, 1, and 6 months (first dose at birth)Pediatric formulation dose per product labeling
Infants born to HBsAg-positive mothersVaccine dose 1 plus HBIG within 12 hours of birth, then doses at 1 and 6 monthsPediatric formulation dose plus HBIG
Children/adolescents not previously vaccinated3-dose catch-up series at 0, 1, and 6 monthsPediatric or adult formulation per age/product
Adults3 doses at 0, 1, and 6 monthsAdult formulation dose per product labeling
Adult hemodialysis/immunocompromised patientsOften a modified higher-dose schedule (e.g., 4 doses) per specific product labelingHigher-dose formulation where available

An accelerated schedule (e.g., 0, 1, and 2 months with a booster at 12 months) may be used for travelers needing rapid protection, per physician guidance. Exact dose volume and antigen content vary by manufacturer/product strength; always follow the specific product's prescribing information and the national immunization schedule.

Side Effects of Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA]

Most adverse effects of Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA] are mild and self-limited.

Common

  • Injection site pain, soreness, redness, or swelling
  • Low-grade fever
  • Fatigue or irritability (especially in infants)
  • Headache
  • Mild nausea

Uncommon/Rare

  • Generalized rash or urticaria
  • Transient joint or muscle pain
  • Lymphadenopathy

Rare but Serious

  • Anaphylaxis or other severe hypersensitivity reactions (see Contraindications)
  • Syncope (fainting), particularly in adolescents, sometimes causing secondary injury — observation for 15 minutes post-injection is recommended

Contraindications of Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA]

Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA] is contraindicated in individuals with:

  • A history of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of any hepatitis B vaccine.
  • A known severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine, including residual yeast protein from the recombinant manufacturing process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA]

What is Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA] used for?

Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA] is used to prevent infection with the hepatitis B virus. It is given routinely to infants and children as part of the national immunization schedule and to adults at increased risk of exposure, such as healthcare workers and household contacts of infected individuals.

How many doses of Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA] are needed?

Most people need a 3-dose series, typically given at 0, 1, and 6 months. Infants born to hepatitis B-positive mothers also receive hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) alongside the first dose. Your physician will confirm the exact schedule for your situation.

Can Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA] cause hepatitis B infection?

No. Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA] does not contain live virus; it contains only a purified viral surface protein made through recombinant DNA technology, so it cannot cause hepatitis B infection.

What are the common side effects of Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA]?

The most common side effects are mild pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, low-grade fever, fatigue, and headache. These usually resolve within a day or two without treatment.

Who should not receive Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA]?

Anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of hepatitis B vaccine, or to any component of the vaccine including yeast protein, should not receive Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA]. People with moderate-to-severe acute illness should generally wait until they recover.

Is Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA] safe during pregnancy?

Hepatitis B Vaccine [rDNA] is a non-live vaccine and is generally considered acceptable during pregnancy when there is a genuine risk of exposure, since the potential benefit is considered to outweigh the potential risk in that situation. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, and a physician should be consulted first.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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