Havrix 360 mg Injection 0.5 ml belongs to the class of medication called 'biologics vaccines' or 'immunising agents' used to prevent hepatitis A infection. It is given before exposure to the hepatitis A virus or shortly after (within two weeks). Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) spread by contaminated food or water and contact with infected persons.

Havrix 360 mg Injection 0.5 ml contains ‘hepatitis A immunoglobulin’ an antibody extracted from the plasma (a component of blood) of the infected donor that acts against the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Immunoglobulins or antibodies are essential to the immune response and help by protecting against viruses to prevent infection. Havrix 360 mg Injection 0.5 ml works by neutralising the hepatitis A virus by provoking an individual's immune system through cell-mediated immunity (a type of immune response). It does not provide long-term protection against hepatitis A infection.

Havrix 360 mg Injection 0.5 ml is available as an injection and is given by a trained healthcare professional. Havrix 360 mg Injection 0.5 ml may cause side effects such as pain and discomfort at the injection site, nausea and low-grade fever. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor immediately.

It is not recommended to take Havrix 360 mg Injection 0.5 ml if you are allergic to human hepatitis A immunoglobulin or any other biological antiviral vaccines or have immunoglobulin A deficiency. Havrix 360 mg Injection 0.5 ml is probably safe when given during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Havrix 360 mg Injection 0.5 ml can be given to children and elderly patients. However, dosage adjustments are necessary. Havrix 360 mg Injection 0.5 ml may not interact with alcohol. Havrix 360 mg Injection 0.5 ml may not affect your ability to drive.

Havrix 360 mg Injection 0.5 ml contains ‘hepatitis A immunoglobulin’, which can effectively prevent hepatitis A infection if given within two weeks post-exposure. Its use is recommended for children aged less than 12 months, people who are allergic to the vaccine or vaccine component or decreased response to the vaccine, who are travelling to an area where hepatitis A is endemic (prevalent in that region), who have weak immune systems such as with HIV, and who are at risk of long-term conditions of the liver such as hepatitis B or C infection. It helps to prevent infection in the household or other close contacts such as a person living in the same household as the infected patient, a person who had sexual contact with the infected person, child-care staff or a person who is taking care of an infected child, healthcare professionals administering injections to the infected person and persons living in long-stay care facilities who are sharing toilets or other facilities with the infected person.

• Pain and discomfort at the injection site
• Nausea
• Low-grade fever

Before taking Havrix 360 mg Injection 0.5 ml, inform your doctor if you had allergies to any vaccines previously and have immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency. Besides, inform your doctor if you had recently or plan to get vaccinated, especially MMR and varicella vaccines, as Havrix 360 mg Injection 0.5 ml can make these vaccines less effective. Also, do not take any live vaccines within 3 months after taking Havrix 360 mg Injection 0.5 ml. Inform your doctor even if you feel unwell after taking Havrix 360 mg Injection 0.5 ml.

Drug-Drug Interactions: Havrix 360 mg Injection 0.5 ml may interact with live vaccines such as vaccines taken against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR vaccine). The vaccine has been taken against chickenpox (varicella vaccine) and makes them less effective. These vaccines should be delayed for at least 3 months and 5 months, respectively, after taking Havrix 360 mg Injection 0.5 ml.

Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Havrix 360 mg Injection 0.5 ml should not be used in people with immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency (lack of IgA, a type of antibody that protects against infections).

• VARICELLA (LIVE ATTENUATED)
• MMR VACCINE

• Maintain hand hygiene as hepatitis A spreads with contaminated food and water. Hand washing after using the bathroom, changing diapers and before and after preparing food help prevent infection. 
• Consume a balanced diet. Talk to a dietitian and prepare a diet plan.
• Avoid fatty foods and raw or undercooked foods.
• Avoid alcohol intake.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Undergo screening for hepatitis if you are caring or living with an infected person.
• If you have diabetes, do not share your blood sugar meters, blood lancets or other equipment with other persons, as it may cause the spread of infection from one person to another.

• Havrix 360 mg Injection 0.5 ml can offer only temporary protection (approximately 3 months), so consult your doctor if you are in close contact with an infected person or travelling to an area where hepatitis A is prevalent. 
• Inform your doctor if you have any blood tests after taking Havrix 360 mg Injection 0.5 ml, as this medicine may alter the blood test results.

Hepatitis A: It is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It can be prevented by effective vaccination. It spreads by contaminated food or water and contact with infected persons. This condition's symptoms are abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, dark urine, yellowing eyes and skin, clay-coloured stool and fever. Taking adequate rest and hydration can help in quick recovery.