Recombivax Hb, Engerix-b

Engerix-B is prescribed to help prevent hepatitis B in adults and children. Engerix-B belongs to a group of drugs called vaccines.

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Introduction

Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Scheffel, PharmD on May 10, 2023
Written by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA

This article describes Engerix-B’s uses, side effects, and more. Below you’ll find some coupon options to help save on the cost of Engerix-B.

Common questions about Engerix-B

In this section, you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about Engerix-B.

Is the dosing schedule of Engerix-B different for children compared with adults?

For the most part, no. The dosing schedule for Engerix-B is generally the same for children as for adults.

This dosing schedule is three Engerix-B doses. The initial dose is followed by another dose 1 month later. The third and final dose is given 6 months after the first dose.

Your doctor will likely suggest a different dosing schedule if you’re an adult receiving dialysis. (This is a treatment that replicates the function of kidneys by removing waste, excess water, and sometimes drugs from your blood.)

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about the Engerix-B dosing schedule recommended for you.

Are there any alternatives to Engerix-B?

Yes, alternatives to Engerix-B for helping prevent hepatitis B are available.

Other hepatitis B vaccines available in the United States include the following. Not all vaccines listed are approved for all age groups:

Heplisav-B
PreHevbrio
Recombivax HB
Twinrix
Pediarix

In addition, Twinrix offers protection against hepatitis A. And Pediarix offers protection against diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough) as well as hepatitis B.

Other vaccines for preventing hepatitis B may have a different dosing schedule than Engerix-B. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor to learn more about your vaccination options, including alternatives to Engerix-B.

How does Engerix-B work? And how long does it take to start working?

Engerix-B is a vaccine. It works by teaching your immune system to protect against certain germs.

Specifically, Engerix-B helps protect against hepatitis B. It contains an inactivated form of the hepatitis B virus. The inactivated form of the virus teaches your immune system to recognize the hepatitis B virus and create antibodies against it. These antibodies become activated if your immune system later detects the hepatitis B virus in your body.

In studies of Engerix-B, a month after receiving the last dose of the vaccine, most people had developed antibodies to hepatitis B.

To learn more about how Engerix-B works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosage of Engerix-B

The dosage of Engerix-B your doctor prescribes may vary based on your age and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the dosage you should receive.

Receiving Engerix-B

A healthcare professional will give you Engerix-B as an injection into a muscle. Food doesn’t affect the vaccine, so it doesn’t matter whether you’ve eaten a meal before getting it.

Your doctor or pharmacist will explain how Engerix-B will be given to you and where you’ll receive it. They’ll also tell you how much you’ll receive and how often.

Engerix-B coupon

You may be able to save money on your prescription for Engerix-B by using our Perks discount coupons. They can be found at the end of this article.

If you have questions about how to pay for Engerix-B, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Side effects of Engerix-B

Engerix-B may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of Engerix-B and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about Engerix-B’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information* for Engerix-B.

* To view Engerix-B’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with Engerix-B are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about Engerix-B’s side effects, see the prescribing information* for Engerix-B.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Engerix-B vaccine’s mild side effects include:

reactions at the site where Engerix-B is injected, including pain and skin discoloration
feeling irritable
headache
low energy
mild allergic reaction†

* To view Engerix-B’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Engerix-B” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of Engerix-B are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about Engerix-B’s side effects, see the prescribing information* for Engerix-B.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, Engerix-B’s serious side effects include:

fainting immediately after getting the vaccine
severe allergic reaction†

Interactions and warnings for Engerix-B

Below, you’ll find information about Engerix-B’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of Engerix-B

For some medications, certain things may affect how the drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you receive Engerix-B, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

prescription medications
over-the-counter medications
vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for Engerix-B” section below.

Warnings for Engerix-B

Engerix-B could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether Engerix-B is a safe option for you.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for Engerix-B, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

current health, including any allergies to medications
past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Engerix-B can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Engerix-B or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely recommend that you do not receive Engerix-B. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

skin rash
itchiness
flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to Engerix-B, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and Engerix-B

Information about Engerix-B and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Engerix-B and pregnancy

In general, Engerix-B is considered safe to receive during pregnancy. That said, ask your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you.

Engerix-B and breastfeeding

In general, Engerix-B is considered safe to receive while breastfeeding. That said, ask your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you.

Uses of Engerix-B

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Engerix-B for certain conditions. Approved uses for Engerix-B are described below.

Use for prevention of hepatitis B

Doctors and pharmacists may prescribe Engerix-B for helping prevent hepatitis B. (This condition is caused by infection from the hepatitis B virus [HBV].) It’s used for this purpose in adults and children of any age.

Engerix-B is usually prescribed as a three-dose series. This means you’ll need three doses, given at certain intervals of time, to get full protection against HBV.

Hepatitis B affects your liver. The virus that causes this condition spreads through bodily fluids, including blood and semen. Hepatitis B can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term).

Symptoms of hepatitis B include:

low energy
appetite loss
urine that is dark-colored
yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
weakness
discomfort in your abdomen

Left untreated, chronic hepatitis B can cause other health problems. Examples include liver damage or scarring and liver failure.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes Engerix-B’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about Engerix-B or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

Should I receive Engerix-B or a different hepatitis B vaccine?
Does my medical history affect the number of Engerix-B doses I should receive?
How will you monitor me for side effects after I receive my Engerix-B dose?
I’ve fainted after getting vaccines before. What precautions should we take if I need to receive Engerix-B?

Article resources

Engerix-B [hepatitis B vaccine (recombinant)] injectable suspension, for intramuscular use. (2021). https://gskpro.com/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_US/Prescribing_Information/Engerix-B/pdf/ENGERIX-B.PDF
Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Purple Book: Database of licensed biological products. https://purplebooksearch.fda.gov
Vaccinations: Vaccination safety for breastfeeding mothers. (2023). https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/vaccinations-medications-drugs/vaccinations.html
Weng MK, et al. (2022). Universal hepatitis B vaccination in adults aged 19–59 years: Updated recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7113a1.htm

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.