Recombivax HB (hepatitis B vaccine) is used to prevent infection caused by all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus in any person at risk of infection. Recombivax HB (hepatitis B vaccine) may not take effect for several days and may not prevent infections that exist at the time Recombivax HB (hepatitis B vaccine) is given.

Do not take Recombivax HB (hepatitis B vaccine) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Recombivax HB (hepatitis B vaccine) you are allergic to yeast or mercury

Before using Recombivax HB (hepatitis B vaccine), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription medicine if you are not feeling well and have a fever if you have any other medical condition

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Recombivax HB (hepatitis B vaccine) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Three doses of Recombivax HB (hepatitis B vaccine) are given. The usual schedule for the second and third doses is 1 month and 6 months after the first dose. Your doctor may adjust the doses and schedule in certain cases. Do not stop taking Recombivax HB (hepatitis B vaccine) without checking with your doctor. Patients who show signs of an allergic reaction after an injection should not receive further doses of Recombivax HB (hepatitis B vaccine). Contact your doctor if any of the following occurs: Rash, hives, itching, or difficulty breathing. Patients over 40 years of age may not achieve as high a protection against the virus as younger patients do. If you have a fever, tell your doctor before you receive this vaccine. Patients with weakened immune systems or those who are taking medicines that reduce the body's ability to fight infection may become infected with the virus even after vaccination. Talk with your doctor if any of the following continues: Soreness, tenderness, redness, or warmth at the injection site; fever; nausea. Contact your doctor at once if you are exposed to the virus through blood, human bites, or sexual contact. The length of protection against the virus from Recombivax HB (hepatitis B vaccine) is not known, nor is it a guarantee that the vaccine will protect you from the hepatitis B virus. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Recombivax HB (hepatitis B vaccine). Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medicines without talking with your doctor.

Store Recombivax HB (hepatitis B vaccine) between 36 and 46 degrees F. Do not freeze.