Twinrix is the brand name for the inactivated hepatitis A vaccine and the recombinant hepatitis B vaccine, says Drugs.com. "Recombinant" menas that it is a mixture of the different components of the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis is a serious liver infection that occurs as a result of eating contaminated foods or being exposed to contaminated blood or bodily fluids. Twinrix is given as an intramuscular (through your muscle) injection. Typically, you will be given three doses of this vaccine. The second dose is given one month after the initial dose and the third dose is given six months after the initial dose.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Twinrix typically causes soreness at the injection site. It can also cause redness, pain and swelling at the injection site. These side effects should go away on its own within one week. In a study of 385 patients receiving Twinrix, the National Library of Medicine states that 37 percent developed soreness at the injection site, 8 percent developed redness at the injection site and 4 percent developed swelling at the site. Additionally, 22 percent developed a headache and 14 percent developed fatigue. You can take over-the-counter aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve your headache. Tell your doctor when you present with Twinrix's common side effects.
Serious Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine reports that Twinrix can increase your chances of developing an upper respiratory infection such as the common cold or a sinus infection. Typical symptoms of the common cold include a runny nose or nasal congestion and coughing. Drink plenty of fluids in order to flush your system of the cold virus. Typical signs of a sinus infection include pain over your cheekbones, nasal congestion and a fever. Your doctor will typically prescribe such antibiotics as amoxicillin to treat your sinus infection. In certain instances, Twinrix can cause dizziness, agitation, fainting, stomach pain, vomiting and back pain. Fainting results as a consequence of low blood pressure. Your doctor can prescribe vasopressor medications to increase your blood pressure. Phone your doctor as soon as Twinrix causes these serious side effects.
Additional Concerns
In some cases, Twinrix can lead to a hypersensitivity reaction. Signs of this reaction include trouble breathing, hives, trouble swallowing (dysphagia), itching (pruritis), sudden fatigue and swelling of your face or tongue. Call 911 because this is a medical emergency. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with your immune system, bleeding problems or existing hepatitis A or B. Twinrix may be less effective when you have these side effects.
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