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Heplisav-B Coupon - Heplisav-B 0.5ml syringe

Heplisav-B

hepatitis B vaccine
Used for Hepatitis B
Used for Hepatitis B

Heplisav-B and PreHevbrio are vaccines used to lower your risk of getting a hepatitis B infection from the virus. Both vaccines are given as an injection into the muscles. They're only approved for adults age 18 years and older. The most common side effect of Heplisav-B and PreHevbrio is pain at the injection site, which usually gets better with second or third dose.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 23, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B)?

What is Hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B) used for?

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

How Hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B) works

Heplisav-B and PreHevbrio are inactivated vaccines that protect you from hepatitis B caused by the virus. Both vaccines use some parts of a killed hepatitis B virus to help your body's immune system make antibodies. If you ever become infected with hepatitis B, these antibodies can fight off the infection for you by destroying the viruses.

Are you looking for information on hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix-B, Recombivax HB) for children and adults or Hepagam B (hepatitis B immune globulin) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsHeplisav-B, Prehevbrio
Drug ClassVaccine
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$191.36(save 18.48%)
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$155.99
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What are the side effects of Hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B)?

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%)

Other Side Effects

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

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 (Heplisav-B)

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Pros

Heplisav-B is a 2-dose series, which is more convenient than the other hepatitis B vaccines that are 3-dose series

PreHevbrio is the first hepatitis B vaccine that contains 3 antigens, which might better protect you against hepatitis B

Can be given with other vaccines

Doesn't contain latex (unlike Recombivax HB and Engerix-B)

thumbs-down

Cons

Only for adults 18 years of age and older

Only given as an injection into the muscles

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

Might not work well in people with weakened immune system

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B)

pharmacist

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

    • It's recommended to not give blood for at least 3 weeks after receiving hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B) because you'll still have some of the virus from the vaccine in your system. You can't 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 are 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 your next hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B) injection so that you stay fully protected against hepatitis B. Try to stay on schedule as best as possible. If you miss or are planning to miss a dose, talk with your provider right away about rescheduling your appointment.

          • Make sure to keep a record of all your immunizations and show it to your provider or pharmacist before receiving any vaccine, including hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B). This is so that your healthcare providers can make sure you're receiving all your vaccines on schedule.

            • Wait until you're healthy to get hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B). 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 (Heplisav-B). 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 hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B).

              • If you experience a severe reaction to hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B), you or your provider can report it to the vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS) website or by calling 1-800-822-7967.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B)

                Who should receive hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B) and PreHevbrio?
                Heplisav-B and PreHevbrio are hepatitis B vaccines for adults 18 years of age and older who are unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated from hepatitis B. Both vaccines are for certain people who either want protection from hepatitis B or for people who are at risk for hepatitis B, including people with liver problems or people who frequently travel to countries with higher rates of hepatitis B. Please note that if you're pregnant or have a weakened immune system (e.g., on hemodialysis), Heplisav-B and PreHevbrio might not be good options since more studies are needed to make sure they are safe and effective for you.
                Why is it important to get hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B)?
                Hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B) 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?
                There're currently 4 vaccines specifically for hepatitis B: Engerix B, Recombivax HB, Heplisav-B, and PreHevbrio. Engerix B and Recombivax HB can be given to children and adults and are both 3-dose series. Heplisav-B and PreHevbrio are only for adults. While Heplisav-B is a 2-dose series, PreHevbrio is a 3-dose series. In addition, PreHevbrio is the first hepatitis B vaccine with 3 antigens (viral protein), which means it might be more effective in protecting you against hepatitis B. Please note that there are also combination vaccines that combines the hepatitis B vaccine with vaccines for other infections. These vaccines are more convenient because it means you might be able to receive less injections. Examples of combination vaccines that also contain a hepatitis B vaccine include Twinrix, Pediarix, and Vaxelis.
                Where can I go to receive hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B)?
                Hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B) is given as an injection into the muscles by a healthcare provider. It's not a vaccine you can pick up at the pharmacy and give to yourself at home. Since both Heplisav-B and PreHevbrio are newer vaccines, they might be hard to find. If you can't find them at your local pharmacy, ask your provider or pharmacist for help.
                Can I get hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B) if I'm pregnant?
                If you're pregnant and are at risk of hepatitis B, you're recommended to get vaccinated for hepatitis B vaccine with either Engerix B or Recombivax HB. But the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) doesn't currently recommend Heplisav-B or PreHevbrio for people who are pregnant since there aren't enough studies to show that these vaccines are safe for the mother and unborn baby. If you're pregnant and have been given Heplisav-B or PreHevbrio, you should register for the pregnancy exposure registry that monitors your health outcomes by calling 1-844-443-7734.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B)?

                Hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B) 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: 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 (Heplisav-B). If it's your first dose, your provider will typically ask you to stay at the pharmacy or clinic for a short period of time after you've received your vaccine. This is to make sure you 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 have symptoms such as feeling faint, face swelling, tightness in your throat, difficulty breathing, hives, rash, dizziness, shaking, nausea, or chest pain.

                  risk-warning

                  Lower response to hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B)

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

                    Hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B) 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 a history of immune system problems (e.g., HIV (human immunodeficiency disease) or cancer) or take medications that weaken your immune system (e.g., high-dose corticosteroids or transplant medications), Engerix B or Recombivax HB might be better options for you. Talk with a provider or pharmacist about your medical history before receiving any vaccine.

                    dosage

                    Hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B) dosage forms

                    The average cost for 1 syringe of 0.5ml of Hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B) is $155.99 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 18.48% off the average retail price of $191.36.
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                    Syringe
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    0.5ml1 syringe$155.99$155.99

                    Typical dosing for Hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B)

                    Both Heplisav-B and PreHevbrio are hepatitis B vaccines for adults 18 years of age and older:

                    • Heplisav-B: The typical dose is 2 injections into the muscles, given one month apart from each other, by a healthcare provider.

                    • PreHevbrio: The typical dose is 3 injections into the muscles, given at months 0, 1, and 6 by a healthcare provider.

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B) and other drugs

                    Hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B) 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 (Heplisav-B). 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.

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                    How much does Hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B) cost?

                    To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                    Heplisav-B (brand)
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                    $155.99

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                    contraindications-icon

                    Hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B) 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 (Heplisav-B) will not be safe for you to take.

                    • Allergic reaction to yeast

                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B)?

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

                    • Prevention of hepatitis B

                    $27.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Twinrix
                    Used for:
                    $135.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    images

                    Hepatitis B vaccine (Heplisav-B) images

                    yellow - HEPLISAV-B 20mcg / 0.5mL Syringe Solution for Injection
                    This medicine is Yellow Syringe.yellow - HEPLISAV-B 20mcg / 0.5mL Syringe Solution for Injection
                    yellow - HEPLISAV-B 20mcg / 0.5mL Syringe Solution for Injection
                    This medicine is Yellow Syringe.yellow - HEPLISAV-B 20mcg / 0.5mL Syringe Solution for Injection

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Destinations.

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Heplisav-B® (HepB-CpG) vaccine.

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). ACIP evidence to recommendations for use of PreHevbrio Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine in adults.

                    View All References (12)

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Frequently asked questions for health professionals.

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Frequently asked questions for the public.

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Hepatitis B VIS (interim).

                    Dynavax Technologies Corporation. (2023). Heplisav-B- hepatitis b vaccine (recombinant) adjuvanted injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Immunize.org. (2023). Ask the experts: Combination vaccines.

                    Immunize.org. (2023). Ask the experts: Hepatitis B.

                    Mast, E., et al. (2006). A comprehensive immunization strategy to eliminate transmission of hepatitis B virus infection in the United States: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) part 2: Immunization of adults. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

                    National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Hemodialysis.

                    VBI Vaccines (Delaware) Inc. (2021). Prehevbrio- hepatitis b vaccine (recombinant) injection, suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Vesikari, T., et al. (2021). Immunogenicity and safety of a 3-antigen hepatitis B vaccine vs a single-antigen hepatitis B vaccine: A phase 3 randomized clinical trial. JAMA Network Open.

                    Vesikari, T., et al. (2023). PreHevbrio: The first approved 3-antigen hepatitis B vaccine. Expert Review of Vaccines.

                    World Health Organization. (2020). How do vaccines work?

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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