Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Twinrix. It is a vaccine that helps to protect against the Hepatitis A and B viruses. Hepatitis A is usually spread through close contact with an infected person or through contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B is usually spread through blood or bodily fluids. These infections affect the liver and can be serious or life-threating. 

Twinrix is given as an injection into the arm muscle.  You doctor or pharmacist will determine the number of doses you should get. It is important to complete all doses for the best protection against Hepatitis A and B infections. 

Most people tolerate this vaccine well, but some side effects can occur. This includes redness or tenderness at the injection site. Other side effects can include a fever, headache, tiredness, and loss of appetite. You should wait until you know how this medicine affects you before you do activities that require you to be alert, like driving. These effects are normal if they are mild and should go away. 

As with any medicine or vaccine, rare but serious side effects could occur. With Twinrix, this includes fainting and allergic reactions. You should read the Vaccine Information Sheet to know which symptoms to watch for and when to report changes.

Twinrix may interact with other medications or vaccines. Before receiving Twinrix, tell your healthcare provider about any medicines you are taking, including steroids, chemotherapies, and medications that suppress your immune system. 

Women should check with their doctors before receiving this vaccine if they are pregnant and before breastfeeding.

For best results with this vaccine, be sure to get the doses when they are due. Also, be sure to read the Vaccine Information Sheet for more information.