Recombivax HB (hepatitis B vaccine) can cause side effects, such as sore throat and fever. If you cannot tolerate the side effects of Recombivax HB, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Recombivax HB (hepatitis B vaccine) is a brand-name vaccine used to prevent infection from the hepatitis B virus (HBV) in adults and children.

If you have problems with side effects from Recombivax HB, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss ways to manage side effects or other available treatment options.

Recombivax HB can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects persist, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Recombivax HB in clinical trials:

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Managing side effects” section.

Mild side effects can occur with Recombivax HB treatment. This list does not include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Recombivax HB’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects reported with Recombivax HB include:

  • injection site reactions, such as pain, itching, or swelling around the injection site
  • fever
  • diarrhea
  • fatigue
  • sore throat
  • headache
  • malaise (a general feeling of being unwell)
  • nausea
  • upper respiratory infection

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects continue, worsen, or become too difficult to tolerate, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: If you would like to report a side effect you’ve had with Recombivax HB, you can do so through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) website or by calling 800-822-7967. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) receive reports made to VAERS.

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Managing side effects” section.

Recombivax HB may cause serious side effects. The following list may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Recombivax HB’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Recombivax HB, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

Allergic reaction

For some people, Recombivax HB can cause an allergic reaction.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also tell you whether you should continue with the remaining vaccinations.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening.

During treatment with Recombivax HB, you may be able to take steps to make side effects easier to manage.

If you have problems with side effects that do not go away or they become worse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss options for managing side effects or other available treatment options.

Injection site reactions

Injection site reactions were common side effects reported in studies of Recombivax HB. Examples of injection site reactions include pain, itching, or swelling around the injection site.

Steps you can take to manage symptoms associated with this side effect include:

  • taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications or antihistamines
  • applying a cold compress

Fever

Fever was a common side effect reported in studies of Recombivax HB. Steps you can take to manage symptoms associated with this side effect include:

Recombivax HB may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Does Recombivax HB cause long-term side effects?

It’s unlikely. Long-term side effects weren’t reported in studies of Recombivax HB.

If you’re concerned about possible long-term side effects from Recombivax HB, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How do side effects of Recombivax HB seen in children compare with those in adults?

Side effects seen in adults and children were similar. In clinical trials, the most common side effects in children were as follows:

  • diarrhea
  • fatigue
  • fever
  • irritability
  • loss of appetite
  • runny nose

If you have questions about how Recombivax HB may affect your child, talk with their doctor or a pharmacist.

Before taking Recombivax HB, discuss your health history with your doctor. Recombivax HB may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

  • hepatitis B infection at the time of vaccination
  • previous allergic reaction to this or a similar vaccine, yeast, or latex
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding

Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.