Hepatitis B Immune Globulin: How Is Hepatitis B Immune Globulin Given

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How is hepatitis B immune globulin given?

Hepatitis B immune globulin is given as an injection into a muscle or through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Hepatitis B immune globulin is given to liver transplant patients as part of the transplant procedure, and then for several weeks or months afterward. The medication is usually given to transplant patients as an IV (injected into a vein) every day for 7 days, then every 2 weeks for the next 11 weeks, followed by monthly injections from then on.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with hepatitis B immune globulin after your transplant. Your liver function will also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

To protect against hepatitis B after exposure to the disease, this medication is usually given as soon as possible after exposure to an infected person. A booster medication is then given 24 hours later.

Babies born to mothers infected with hepatitis B should receive this medication within 12 hours of birth, or when the newborn is otherwise medically stable.

For people who have had sexual contact with someone infected with hepatitis B, this medication should be given within 14 days after the last contact. The medication may also be given at any time if contact with the infected person will continue.

Any infant whose parent or caregiver is infected with hepatitis B should receive this medication.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests, including some blood glucose tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are receiving hepatitis B immune globulin.

Last updated:	March 26, 2008