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Heplisav B

Heplisav-B Side Effects

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCPAlly Tsai, PharmD
Reviewed by Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP, Ally Tsai, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 24, 2023

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

Please note: The following side effects are those reported with Heplisav-B. Side effects are less likely to happen after the second dose.

  • Injection site pain (35-39%)
  • Fatigue (14-17%)
  • Headache (13-17%)
  • General feeling of sickness (7-9%)

Please note: The following side effects are those reported with PreHevbrio. Side effects are less likely to happen after the second and third dose.

  • Injection site pain (27–58%)
  • Tenderness (30– 59%)
  • Muscle pain (12–30%)
  • Fatigue (12- 28%)
  • Headache (7–25%)

Less Common Side Effects

  • Redness at injection site
  • Swelling at injection site
  • Fever
  • Itching
  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Heplisav-B 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 Heplisav-B 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.

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Why trust our experts?

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP, started his full-time career as a clinical pharmacist at UCLA Health in the general medicine, general cardiology, and ICU units after completing residency in 2016. He also was the preceptor for the general medicine rotation from 2017 to 2021, which was a required rotation for all pharmacy residents.
Ally Tsai, PharmD
Reviewed by:
Ally Tsai, PharmD
Ally Tsai, PharmD, is a medication therapy management (MTM) pharmacist with 6 years of experience. As an MTM pharmacist, she helps people with complex medication regimens get the best results by conducting comprehensive medication reviews.

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