hepatitis b antigen at a glance
Medicine class
Recombinant, adjuvanted hepatitis B vaccine
Licensed group
People aged 15 years and over with renal insufficiency, including those before or during haemodialysis
Administration
Injected into the upper-arm muscle by a healthcare professional
Vaccine type
Not a live vaccine and cannot cause hepatitis B
What is hepatitis b antigen used for?
Licensed for active immunisation against hepatitis B virus infection caused by all known subtypes.
For people aged 15 years and over with renal insufficiency, including those receiving or expected to need haemodialysis.
It prevents infection but does not treat acute or chronic hepatitis B. It may not protect someone infected before vaccination.
How does hepatitis b antigen work?
The recombinant surface antigen resembles part of hepatitis B virus but cannot cause infection. It prompts protective anti-HBs antibodies. Its adjuvant system strengthens the immune response, which is important because people with renal insufficiency may respond less well to hepatitis B vaccines.
How to take hepatitis b antigen
A doctor or nurse injects it into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm. It must not be injected into a vein or the skin, and the buttock should be avoided because the immune response may be reduced. Tell staff if you have previously fainted during injections. A primary course begun with this product should be completed using the same product.
No food restrictions apply because this is an injection.
The healthcare professional should shake and visually inspect the suspension before use.
hepatitis b antigen side effects
Common or expected effects
- Pain or discomfort at the injection site
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Redness or swelling at the injection site
- Fever
- Stomach or digestive symptoms
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing or swallowing, facial swelling, collapse or loss of consciousness
hepatitis b antigen in pregnancy
Hepatitis B vaccination may be used during pregnancy when needed. However, there are no human pregnancy data specifically for this product, so vaccination requires an individual assessment of benefits and possible risks.
hepatitis b antigen while breastfeeding
Hepatitis B vaccination is generally compatible with breastfeeding, but there are no lactation data specifically for this product. An individual benefit–risk assessment is advised.
hepatitis b antigen interactions
Tell the vaccination team about medicines that affect immunity and any recent or planned vaccines.
Other vaccines
Product-specific simultaneous-administration data are unavailable, so other vaccines should be separated and their timing planned by clinicians.
Hepatitis B immunoglobulin
When both are required after exposure, they should be injected at separate sites.
Immunosuppressive treatment
Treatment that suppresses immunity may reduce the antibody response, making follow-up testing particularly important.
Common questions about hepatitis b antigen
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is Fendrix used for?
It prevents hepatitis B in people aged 15 years and over with renal insufficiency, including those before or during haemodialysis.
Can Fendrix treat hepatitis B?
No. It does not treat an existing acute or chronic hepatitis B infection.
Is Fendrix a live vaccine?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.