Last Updated 05 Sep 2011
Havrix (hav-rix) is a medicine which is used in immunisation against hepatitis A virus. Havrix contains hepatitis A virus inactivated. It is supplied by GlaxoSmithKline UK.
The information in this Medicine Guide for Havrix varies according to the condition being treated and the particular preparation used.
There are 2 preparations of Havrix available. If Havrix Junior Monodose vaccine suspension for injection 0.5ml pre-filled syringes is not the preparation you are looking for, please select from the drop down list below.
Select your preparation (type) of Havrix
Information specific to Havrix Junior Monodose vaccine suspension for injection 0.5ml pre-filled syringes when used in immunisation against hepatitis A virus
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Havrix is a vaccine which is used to give people immunity to hepatitis A.
Havrix is given to you by a healthcare professional. The person responsible for giving you your medicine will make sure that you get the right dose.
If you feel unwell after having the medicine then talk to your prescriber or someone involved in your medical care.
As Havrix is a vaccination which is usually given as a single dose, considerations to stopping this medicine are not relevant.
The medical team will often be responsible for looking after this medicine. However, if you are responsible for looking after this medicine make sure that you store it properly and safely. Check the label and Patient Information leaflet for details or ask a member of your medical team.
In the case of Havrix:
Do not use the medicine after the expiry date shown on the packaging. If you have any unused medicine, return it to your pharmacist who will dispose of it safely.
Havrix is not suitable for everyone and some people should never use it. Other people should only use it with special care. It is important that the person prescribing this medicine knows your full medical history.
Your prescriber may only prescribe this medicine with special care or may not prescribe it at all if you:
Furthermore the prescriber may only prescribe this medicine with special care or may not prescribe it at all for a child under the age of one year.
Over time it is possible that Havrix can become unsuitable for some people, or they may become unsuitable for it. If at any time it appears that Havrix has become unsuitable, it is important that the prescriber is contacted immediately.
A medicine is only made available to the public if the clinical trials have shown that the benefits of taking the medicine outweigh the risks.
Once a medicine has been licensed, information on the medicine's effects, both intended and unintended, is continuously recorded and updated.
Some side-effects may be serious while others may only be a mild inconvenience.
Everyone's reaction to a medicine is different. It is difficult to predict which side-effects you will have from taking a particular medicine, or whether you will have any side-effects at all. The important thing is to tell your prescriber or pharmacist if you are having problems with your medicine.
If you feel unwell or if you have concerns about a side-effect, you will need to seek advice. If you feel very ill, get medical help straight away. Contact your prescriber, pharmacist, nurse or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
There are no known important interactions between Havrix and other medicines. If you experience any unusual symptoms while having Havrix and other medicines you should tell your prescriber.
Medicines can interact with complementary preparations and vitamins. In general, there is not much information available about interactions between medicines and complementary preparations or vitamins.
If you are planning to take or are already taking any complementary preparations and vitamins you should ask your prescriber whether there are any known interactions with Havrix.
Your prescriber can advise whether it is appropriate for you to take combinations that are known to interact. They can also discuss with you the possible effect that the complementary preparations and vitamins may have on your condition.
If you experience any unusual effects while taking this medicine in combination with complementary preparations and vitamins, you should tell your prescriber.
When taking any medicine you should be aware that it might interfere with your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Like all medicines Havrix can cause side effects. You should see how this medicine affects you and then judge if you are safe to drive or operate machinery. If you are in any doubt, talk to your prescriber.
Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your prescriber may advise you to avoid certain foods.
In the case of Havrix:
Most medicines, in some way, can affect the development of a baby in the womb. The effect on the baby differs between medicines and also depends on the stage of pregnancy that you have reached when you take the medicine.
In the case of Havrix:
You need to discuss your specific circumstances with your doctor to weigh up the overall risks and benefits of taking this medicine. You and your doctor can make a decision about whether you are going to take this medicine during pregnancy.
If the decision is that you should not have Havrix, then you should discuss whether there is an alternative medicine that you could take during pregnancy.
Certain medicines can pass into breast milk and may reach your baby through breast-feeding.
In the case of Havrix:
Before you have your baby you should discuss breast-feeding with your doctor or midwife. They will help you decide what is best for you and your baby based on the benefits and risks associated with this medicine. You should only breast-feed your baby while taking this medicine on the advice of your doctor or midwife.
Medicines contain active ingredients. They may also contain other, additional ingredients that help ensure the stability, safety and effectiveness of the medicine. Some may be used to prolong the life of the medicine.
Havrix contains:
If you are not able to take any of the ingredients in your medicine, talk to your prescriber or pharmacist to see if they can suggest an alternative medicine. If you have reacted badly to Havrix before, do not have Havrix. Talk to your prescriber, pharmacist or nurse as soon as possible.
Havrix, Version 7, last updated 05 Sep 2011