SAMHEP INJECTION 1ML

SAMHEP INJECTION 1ML belongs to the class of medication called 'biologics vaccines' or 'immunizing agents' used to prevent hepatitis B virus post-exposure. Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is given if you have not had previous vaccination, are not properly vaccinated for hepatitis B virus, are vaccinated but ineffective and are at risk of infection. It is also used to prevent infection in infants who are born to a hepatitis-positive mother. 

SAMHEP INJECTION 1ML contains ‘hepatitis B immunoglobulin’ an antibody extracted from the plasma of the infected donor that acts against the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It does not provide long-term protection against hepatitis B infection. SAMHEP INJECTION 1ML is not effective in HBs antigen-positive people (infected with the hepatitis B virus).

SAMHEP INJECTION 1ML may cause some common side-effects like swelling (oedema), redness, itching, bruising or hardening of the skin at the site of injection, low blood pressure, headache, dizziness, fast heart rate, being sick (vomiting), feeling sick (nausea), joint pains, back pain, fever, tiredness, and chills. Inform your doctor if any of these side effects persist or get worsen.

Do not take SAMHEP INJECTION 1ML if you are allergic to human hepatitis B immunoglobulin or any other biological antiviral vaccines or have received immunoglobulin A but had an allergic reaction and were diagnosed with any blood disorders. Before taking SAMHEP INJECTION 1ML, inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription or non-prescription medicines. Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

SAMHEP INJECTION 1ML contains antibodies that act against the hepatitis B virus (HBV) made from the human plasma of the donor infected person. It contains proteins (immunoglobulin) that help neutralize the hepatitis B virus. It is given to prevent hepatitis B in people who are undergoing liver transplantation, in babies born to mothers with hepatitis B, in people who are exposed to infected blood products, in people who had sexual contact with an infected person, and in people who are living with an infected person. It provokes the immune system to produce antibodies against the hepatitis B virus, which damages the liver. SAMHEP INJECTION 1ML offers protection against the hepatitis B virus for 3-6 months. 

• Swelling (oedema), redness, itching, bruising or hardening of the skin at the site of injection
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fast heart rate
• Being sick (vomiting)
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Joint pains
• Back pain
• Fever
• Tiredness
• Chills

Before taking SAMHEP INJECTION 1ML, inform your doctor if you know that you have enough IgA antibodies (act against hepatitis A), have previously been diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, blood clots, blood-related disorder, or heart disease, had vaccinations or planning to get vaccinated.  Inform your doctor even if you just feel unwell after taking SAMHEP INJECTION 1ML. Seek medical attention immediately develop pain, swelling, unusual warmth of a limb, sudden shortness of breath and chest pain worsening on deep breathing, weakness on one side, difficulty speaking, or confusion.

• WARFARIN
• HEPARIN
• ENOXAPARIN

• The SAMHEP INJECTION 1ML may interfere with the working of vaccines against MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and varicella (chickenpox) vaccines. It is recommended to inform your doctor if SAMHEP INJECTION 1ML is given within 3 months after taking these vaccines. The doctor may advise you to take another dose of these vaccines after 3 months following SAMHEP INJECTION 1ML administration.
• Inform your doctor if you have any blood tests after taking SAMHEP INJECTION 1ML, as this medicine may alter the blood test results. 
• An individual adult should take SAMHEP INJECTION 1ML preferably less than 24 hours after exposure but no later than 7 days after exposure to hepatitis B. For persons who refused to take SAMHEP INJECTION 1ML if found hepatitis positive, a second dose of SAMHEP INJECTION 1ML should be given 1 month after the first dose. 

• Consume a balanced diet. Talk to a dietitian and prepare a diet plan. 
• Avoid fatty foods and raw or undercooked foods.
• Avoid alcohol intake. 
• Maintain a healthy weight. 
• Undergo screening for hepatitis if you are caring or living with an infected person. 
• If you are diabetic, do not share your blood sugar meters, blood lancets, or other equipment with other persons as it may cause the spread of infection from one person to another.