Hiberix (discontinued in the UK)

How does it work?

This vaccine contains an extract of Haemophilus influenzae type B bacteria. It stimulates the body's immune response without causing the disease. When the body is exposed to foreign organisms, the immune system produces antibodies. These antibodies are specific to the infecting agent and their first function is to help the body recognise and kill the foreign organisms. The antibodies formed remain in the body and recognise and attack any future infection with the same organism. This is known as immunity. Protection against many infections can be provided artificially using vaccines, which are made from extracts of the infecting organisms. These vaccines stimulate the immune system in the same way as the genuine infection. This provides long-lasting active immunity. Some vaccines remain effective for a lifetime while others have to be updated every few years. This vaccine stimulates the production of specific antibodies, which provide immunity against invasive diseases caused by Haemophilus inluenzae, type B. It is normally used to protect children under the age of five.

What is it used for?

Vaccination against disease caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B

Warning!

Individuals who have a suppressed immune system, for example due to disease such as HIV infection, or treatment with immunosuppressant medicines such as chemotherapy or corticosteroids, may not produce an adequate immune response to this vaccine and additional doses may be required.

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

Sudden feverish illness

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not intended for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Diarrhoea

Vomiting

Restlessness

Loss of appetite

Allergic reaction to active ingredient

Fever (pyrexia)

Irritability

Local pain and swelling at the site of injection

A general feeling of being unwell (malaise)

Prolonged crying

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

There are no reported interactions with this vaccine.

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