provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Engerix-B Coupon - Engerix-B 1ml of 20mcg/ml syringe

Engerix-B

hepatitis B vaccine
Used for Hepatitis B
Used for Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) is a vaccine used to lower your risk of getting a hepatitis B infection from the hepatitis B virus. It's given as an injection into the muscle. Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) is a routine vaccine for all babies, but it can also be given to children and adults.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 15, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB)?

What is Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) used for?

  • Prevention of hepatitis B

How Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) works

Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) is an inactivated vaccine that protects you from hepatitis B caused by the hepatitis B virus. The vaccine helps your body's immune system make antibodies that will attack the virus if it ever infects you.

Are you looking for information on Heplisav B (hepatitis B vaccine), Hepagam B (hepatitis B immune globulin), or Twinrix (hepatitis A / hepatitis B vaccine) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsEngerix B, Recombivax HB
Drug ClassVaccine
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$104.42(save 74.14%)
GoodRx discount
$27.00
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Recombivax HB (at least 1%):
  • Feeling irritated
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue/weakness
  • Poor appetite
  • Nasal symptoms (runny nose, congestion, sneezing, itching)
Engerix-B
  • Soreness at injection site (22%)
  • Fatigue (14%)
  • Dizziness (1-10%)
  • Headache (1-10%)
  • Fever (1-10%)

Other Side Effects

Recombivax HB (less than 1%):
  • Sweating
  • Achiness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Chills
  • Cough
  • Dizziness
  • Rash
  • Itching
  • Difficulty sleeping
Engerix-B (less than 1%):
  • Low appetite
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Low blood pressure
  • Back pain
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Chills
  • Stomach pain

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reactions: hives, rash, shaking, itching, nausea, flushing, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Fever of 37.7 degrees C (100 degrees F) or higher

Rare

Aches or pain in the joints, fever, or skin rash or welts (may occur days or weeks after receiving the vaccine)

blurred vision or other vision changes

confusion

difficulty with breathing or swallowing

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

hives

itching, especially of the feet or hands

muscle weakness

numbness or tingling of the arms and legs

reddening of the skin, especially around the ears

sweating

swelling of the eyes, face, or inside of the nose

unusual tiredness or weakness (sudden and severe)

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Dizziness

headache

soreness at the injection site

Less common

Hard lump, redness, swelling, pain, itching, purple spot, tenderness, or warmth at the injection site

unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

Aches or pain in the muscles

agitation

back pain or stiffness or pain in neck or shoulder

chills

constipation

diarrhea

difficulty with moving

feeling of warmth

general feeling of discomfort or illness

headache (mild), sore throat, runny nose, or fever (mild)

increased sweating

itching

lack of appetite or decreased appetite

nausea or vomiting

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

sleeplessness

stomach cramps or pain

sudden redness of skin

swelling of glands in the armpit or neck

trouble with sleeping

unable to sleep

welts

weight loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB)

thumbs-up

Pros

Can be given with other vaccines

Can receive either brand name (Recombivax HB or Engerix-B), regardless of previous brand received

Protection lasts for at least 30 years in healthy people who received hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) at at least 6 months of age.

thumbs-down

Cons

Recombivax HB and Engerix-B both contain latex, which can be a problem for people with latex allergies.

Only given as an injection into the muscle

Must be given by a healthcare professional at a provider’s office, clinic, or pharmacy

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB)

pharmacist

  • If you're at risk for hepatitis B, you should get tested before receiving hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) because it might not work as well in people who are unknowingly infected with hepatitis B at the time of receiving the vaccine.

    • If you're traveling and not previously vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB), check if hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) is recommended for your destination.

      • It's recommended to not give blood for at least 3 weeks after receiving hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) because you'll still have some of the virus from the vaccine in your system. This doesn't mean you can infect anyone with the virus from the vaccine, since it's not a live virus. But your blood sample might test positive for hepatitis B and if so, you won't be allowed to donate blood in the future.

        • Depending on your risk for hepatitis B, your provider might recommend you get a booster dose if your blood level of antibodies against hepatitis B is low, even if you completed the full series of the vaccine.

          • Make sure to mark the dates on your calendar of when you need to go in for all your hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) injections so that you stay fully protected against hepatitis B. Try to stay on schedule as best as possible, but if you accidentally miss one of the doses in the series, you don't need to start the series over.

            • Make sure to keep a record of all your immmunizations and show it to your provider or pharmacist before receiving any vaccine, including hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB), to make sure you're receiving all your vaccines on schedule.

              • Wait until you're healthy to get hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB). This will help make sure your immune system protects you as best as it can. If you have a mild sickness, such as a cold or low-grade fever, you can still get hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB). But if you feel moderately to severely sick, wait until you recover before getting this vaccine. Ask your provider if you're not sure whether or not you can get this vaccine.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB)

                Who should receive hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB)?
                Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) is a routine vaccine recommended for all newborns to adults up to 19 years old. Unvaccinated adults 19 years and older who either want protection from hepatitis B or who are at risk for hepatitis B can receive catch-up vaccination with hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) or Heplisav B. Or, they can receive a 3-dose series of Twinrix (hepatitis A / hepatitis B vaccine), which is a combination vaccine that protects against both hepatitis A and hepatitis B. People receiving hemodialysis or who have weakened immune systems might need revaccination with hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) because they're at high risk for hepatitis B. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you aren't sure if you or your child need hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB).
                Why is it important to get hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB)?
                Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) lowers your risk for hepatitis B, which can be a life-threatening infection. Hepatitis B is spread through direct contact (e.g., birth, sex, sharing needles) from bodily fluids (e.g., blood, semen) infected with hepatitis B. Short-term symptoms of hepatitis B include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, clay-colored stool, joint pain, and yellowing of skin or eyes. Long-term hepatitis B infection can cause liver failure, liver cancer, or even death. While there isn't any specific treatment for short-term hepatitis B, there are several medications available for treatment of long-term hepatitis B, but these medications can have a lot of side effects and can be expensive.
                What are other available vaccines that protect against hepatits B and what are the differences between them?
                Engerix B and Recombivax HB are hepatitis B vaccines used in children and adults and are both 3-dose series, while Heplisav B is only for adults and is a 2-dose series. There are also combination vaccines that combines multiple vaccines into one shot. They not only protect against hepatitis B, but also multiple other infections. Examples of combination vaccines that also contain a hepatitis B vaccine include Twinrix, Pediarix, and Vaxelis. There is a newly-approved vaccine to prevent hepatitis B called PreHevbrio that works differently than other vaccines discussed, and should be available in early 2022.
                Do newborns born to mothers who are positive for hepatitis B need any other treatment for hepatitis B?
                Yes, newborns born to mothers who are positive for hepatitis B (or to mothers who aren't sure whether they're positive for hepatitis B) should also receive Hepagam B (hepatitis B immune globulin), in addition to hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB). Hepagam B (hepatitis B immune globulin) isn't a hepatitis B vaccine, but it contains antibodies that can protect newborns from hepatitis B infection if they were exposed to the virus in the womb.
                Can I get hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) if I'm pregnant?
                Yes. In fact, it's recommended for pregnant women who are at risk for hepatitis B to receive the vaccine.
                GoodRxEducationalIcon

                How to save using GoodRx

                Compare Prices
                1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                Select your free coupon
                2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                Show coupon to your pharmacist
                3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                Get free couponLearn more
                warings-icon

                What are the risks and warnings for Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB)?

                Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Severe allergic reactions

                • Risk factors: Latex allergy | Allergic reaction to other vaccines

                  As with any vaccine, there's a rare chance that you might have a severe allergic reaction to hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB). Your risk is higher if you're allergic to latex because Recombivax HB and Engerix-B both contain natural rubber latex. Your provider might ask you to stay at the pharmacy or clinic for a short period of time after you've received your vaccine to make sure you can get proper care in case of a serious allergic reaction. Sometimes, these reactions can happen after you've already left the clinic. Get medical help right away if you notice symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as feeling faint, swelling of the face, closing of the throat, difficulty breathing, hives or rash, dizziness, shaking, nausea, or chest pain.

                  risk-warning

                  Breathing issues (apnea) in premature babies

                  • Risk factors: Premature birth

                    Vaccines that are injected into the muscle, like hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB), can raise the risk of apnea in babies who were born prematurely. This is a condition where babies have a temporary pause in their breathing, with or without a slowed heart rate or low oxygen level. If your baby was born prematurely, be sure to discuss the benefits and risks of receiving hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) with your child's provider.

                    risk-warning

                    Low birth weight

                    If your baby weighs less than 2000 g at the time of birth and the mother's hepatitis B antigen test is negative, your baby's provider might recommend for your baby to wait before receiving hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB). However, if the mother's test for hepatitis B infection is positive or unknown, your baby should still receive hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) together with Hepagam B (hepatitis B immune globulin), which is an immune globulin that targets hepatitis B to protect them from infection.

                    risk-warning

                    Lower response to hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB)

                    • Risk factors: Medical conditions that weaken the immune system | Taking medications that lower your immune system

                      Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) might not work as well in people with a weakened immune system. This can put you at higher risk of hepatitis B, even after you've received the vaccine. If you have any medical conditions (e.g., HIV (human immunodeficiency disease) or cancer) or take medications that weaken your immune system (e.g., high-dose corticosteroids or transplant medications), don't get hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) until you've talked with your provider first.

                      risk-warning

                      Fainting

                      • Risk factors: Fainting after vaccines in the past

                        Fainting is associated with injectable vaccines, such as hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB). Signs of fainting include changes in vision, burning sensation, and stiffening or twitching of your arms and legs. Let your provider know if you've fainted after vaccines in the past so they can monitor you.

                        dosage

                        Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) dosage forms

                        The average cost for 1 syringe of 1ml of 20mcg/ml of Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) is $27.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 74.14% off the average retail price of $104.42.
                        syringe
                        Syringe
                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                        1ml of 20mcg/ml1 syringe$27.00$27.00
                        0.5ml of 10mcg/0.5ml1 syringe$35.01$35.01
                        vial
                        Vial
                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                        1ml of 20mcg/ml1 vial$76.99$76.99

                        Typical dosing for Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB)

                        The exact dose of hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) you'll receive depends on the brand and formulation you get, your age, and medical conditions.

                        Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) is typically given as a 3-dose series, with 1 injection into the muscle at months 0, 1, and 6. Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) is given as an injection into the thigh muscle for babies up to 1 year of age and into the shoulder muscle for adults and older children.

                        interactions

                        Interactions between Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) and other drugs

                        Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                        Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

                        drug-cost

                        How much does Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) cost?

                        To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                        Engerix-B (brand)
                        GoodRx lowest price

                        $27.00

                        (save 74.14%)
                        View prices & coupons
                        contraindications-icon

                        Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) contraindications

                        Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) will not be safe for you to take.

                        • Allergic reaction to yeast

                        alternatives

                        What are alternatives to Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB)?

                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                        Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB)
                        Used for:

                        • Prevention of hepatitis B

                        $27.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B)
                        Used for:

                        • Prevention of hepatitis B in adults 18 years of age and older

                        $155.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Twinrix
                        Used for:
                        $135.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        images

                        Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) images

                        white - Engerix-B 20mcg / ml Suspension for Injection
                        This medicine is White Syringe.white - Engerix-B 20mcg / ml Suspension for Injection

                        Get savings updates for Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB)

                        Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                        By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

                        Browse medications

                        View All

                        Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.