Engerix-B

Generic name: hepatitis B vaccine [ HEP-a-TYE-tis-B-a-DULT-VAX-een ]
Dosage form: recombinant injection, suspension
Drug class: Viral vaccines

Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Last updated on Oct 29, 2024.

What is Engerix-B?

Engerix-B vaccine is used to help prevent hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a liver disease that can cause mild illness lasting a few weeks, or it can lead to a serious, lifelong illness.

Engerix-B vaccine helps your body develop immunity to the disease, but will not treat an active infection you already have.

Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver that is spread through blood or bodily fluids, sexual contact or sharing IV drug needles with an infected person, or during childbirth when the mother is infected. Hepatitis B causes inflammation of the liver,  and may cause vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), although many people with hepatitis B have no symptoms. In some patients, hepatitis can lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis, or death.

Vaccination with Engerix-B is recommended for all adults who are at risk of getting hepatitis B. Like any vaccine, the hepatitis B vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

Acute hepatitis B virus infection is a short-term illness that can lead to fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, jaundice (yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements), and pain in the muscles, joints, and stomach.

Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is a long-term illness that occurs when the hepatitis B virus remains in a person's body. Most people who go on to develop chronic hepatitis B do not have symptoms, but it is still very serious and can lead to liver damage (cirrhosis), liver cancer, and death. Chronically infected people can spread hepatitis B virus to others, even if they do not feel or look sick themselves.

Engerix-B side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Engerix-B: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Keep track of all side effects you have. If you need a booster dose, you will need to tell the vaccination provider if the previous shot caused any side effects.

Hepatitis B adult vaccine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• seizure-like muscle movements; or

• fever, swollen glands.

Common Engerix-B side effects may include:

• headache;

• muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;

• tiredness; or

• redness, pain, swelling, or a lump where the shot was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1 800 822 7967.

Related/similar drugs

Before taking this medicine

Engerix-B will not protect against infection with hepatitis A, C, and E, or other viruses that affect the liver. It may also not protect against hepatitis B if you are already infected with the virus, even if you do not yet show symptoms.

You should not receive Engerix-B if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any vaccine containing hepatitis B.

To make sure Engerix-B is safe for you, tell your doctor or vaccination provider if you have ever had:

• lived with someone or had sexual contact with people infected with hepatitis B virus;

• diabetes, HIV or AIDS;

• used drugs injected into a vein;

• lived or worked in a facility for developmentally disabled people;

• worked in healthcare or public safety or being exposed to blood or body fluids;

• traveled to areas where hepatitis B is common;

• lived or worked in a correctional facility;

• being a victim of sexual abuse or assault;

• hepatitis C, chronic liver disease; or

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

Vaccination with Engerix-B may need to be postponed or not given at all if you have:

• an allergy to yeast;

• an allergy to latex; or

• weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine).

You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving Engerix-B.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of hepatitis B vaccine on the baby.

How is Engerix-B given?

Engerix-B is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Engerix-B is given in a series of 3 to 4 shots. The subsequent shots are usually given 1 month and 6 months after the first shot.

Your individual vaccination schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by your local health department.

Be sure to receive all recommended doses of Engerix-B, or you may not be fully protected against disease .

Engerix-B can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you if you recently received a hepatitis B vaccine.

Engerix-B vaccine dosing information

Engerix-B dose and administration

19 years and younger: Three doses (0.5 mL each) intramuscularly on a 0, 1, and 6 month schedule
20 years and older: Three doses (1 mL each) intramuscularly on a 0, 1, and 6 month schedule.
Adults on hemodialysis: Four doses (2 mL each) as a single 2 mL dose or as two 1 mL doses on a 0, 1, 2, 6 month schedule. 

Comments:
-Administer hepatitis B immune globulin if appropriate.
-Start hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible after exposure.

For alternative dosage and administration schedules for specific groups, click the link below.

What other drugs will affect Engerix-B?

Before receiving Engerix-B, tell your vaccination provider about all other vaccines you have recently received.

Other drugs may affect Engerix-B, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your vaccination provider if you miss a dose or if you get behind schedule. The next dose should be given as soon as possible. There is no need to start over.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Engerix-B is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid before or after receiving Engerix-B?

Follow your vaccination provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Warnings

Engerix-B will not protect against hepatitis B if you are already infected with the virus, even if you do not yet show symptoms.

Becoming infected with Hepatitis B is much more dangerous to your health than receiving Engerix-B.

You should not receive Engerix-B if you are allergic to yeast.

You should not receive another dose of Engerix-B if you had a life threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: hepatitis b virus subtype adw2 hbsag surface protein antigen.
Inactive ingredients: aluminum hydroxide; sodium chloride; sodium phosphatem dibasic, dihydrate; sodium phosphate. monobasic, dihydrate.

Manufacturer

Distributed by: GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.

Popular FAQ

Further information

• Your vaccination provider, pharmacist, or doctor can provide more information about Engerix-B. Additional information is available from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Engerix-B only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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