Engerix-B [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant)] is a noninfectious recombinant DNA hepatitis B vaccine developed and manufactured by SmithKline Beecham Biologicals. It contains purified surface antigen of the virus obtained by culturing genetically engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells, which carry the surface antigen gene of the hepatitis B virus. The surface antigen expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells is purified by several physicochemical steps and formulated as a suspension of the antigen adsorbed on aluminum hydroxide. The procedures used to manufacture Engerix-B result in a product that contains no more than 5% yeast protein. No substances of human origin are used in its manufacture.

Engerix-B is supplied as a sterile suspension for intramuscular administration. The vaccine is ready for use without reconstitution; it must be shaken before administration since a fine white deposit with a clear colorless supernatant may form on storage.

Pediatric/Adolescent

Each 0.5 mL of vaccine consists of 10 mcg of hepatitis B surface antigen adsorbed on 0.25 mg aluminum hydroxide. The pediatric/adolescent vaccine is formulated without preservatives. The pediatric formulation contains a trace amount of thimerosal (<0.5 mcg mercury) from the manufacturing process, sodium chloride (9 mg/mL) and phosphate buffers (disodium phosphate dihydrate, 0.98 mg/mL; sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, 0.71 mg/mL).

Adult

Each 1 mL adult dose consists of 20 mcg of hepatitis B surface antigen adsorbed on 0.5 mg aluminum as aluminum hydroxide. The adult vaccine is formulated with a preservative. The adult formulation contains thimerosal (25 mcg mercury), sodium chloride (9 mg/mL) and phosphate buffers (disodium phosphate dihydrate, 0.98 mg/mL; sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, 0.71 mg/mL).

Several hepatitis viruses are known to cause a systemic infection resulting in major pathologic changes in the liver (e.g., A, B, C, D, E). The estimated lifetime risk of HBV infection in the United States varies from almost 100% for the highest-risk groups to approximately 5% for the population as a whole. ¹ Hepatitis B infection can have serious consequences including acute massive hepatic necrosis, chronic active hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver. Sixty to 80% of neonates and 6 to 10% of adults who are infected in the United States will become hepatitis B virus carriers. ¹ It has been estimated that more than 170 million people in the world today are persistently infected with hepatitis B virus. ² The Centers for Disease Control. (CDC) estimates that there are approximately 0.75 to 1.0 million chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus in the United States. ¹ Those patients who become chronic carriers can infect others and are at increased risk of developing primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Among other factors, infection with hepatitis B may be the single most important factor for development of this carcinoma. ^1,3

Reduced Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: According to the CDC, the hepatitis B vaccine is recognized as the first anti-cancer vaccine because it can prevent primary liver cancer. ⁴

A clear link has been demonstrated between chronic hepatitis B infection and the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. In a Taiwanese study, the institution of universal childhood immunization against hepatitis B virus has been shown to decrease the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma among children. ⁵ In a Korean study in adult males, vaccination against hepatitis B virus has been shown to decrease the incidence of, and risk of, developing hepatocellular carcinoma in adults. ⁶

Considering the serious consequences of infection, immunization should be considered for all persons at potential risk of exposure to the hepatitis B virus. Mothers infected with hepatitis B virus can infect their infants at, or shortly after, birth if they are carriers of the HBsAg antigen or develop an active infection during the third trimester of pregnancy. Infected infants usually become chronic carriers. Therefore, screening of pregnant women for hepatitis B is recommended. ¹ Because a vaccination strategy limited to high-risk individuals has failed to substantially lower the overall incidence of hepatitis B infection, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends vaccination of all persons from birth to age 18. ⁷ The Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has also endorsed universal infant immunization as part of a comprehensive strategy for the control of hepatitis B infection. ⁸ The AAP, American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and American Medical Association (AMA) also recommend routine vaccination of adolescents 11 to 12 years of age who have not been vaccinated previously. ⁹ The AAP further recommends that providers administer hepatitis B vaccine to all previously unvaccinated adolescents. ¹⁰ (See .) There is no specific treatment for acute hepatitis B infection. However, those who develop anti-HBs antibodies after active infection are usually protected against subsequent infection. Antibody titers >/=10 mIU/mL against HBsAg are recognized as conferring protection against hepatitis B. ¹¹ Seroconversion is defined as antibody titers >/=1 mIU/mL.

Reduced Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: According to the CDC, the hepatitis B vaccine is recognized as the first anti-cancer vaccine because it can prevent primary liver cancer. ⁴

A clear link has been demonstrated between chronic hepatitis B infection and the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. In a Taiwanese study, the institution of universal childhood immunization against hepatitis B virus has been shown to decrease the incidence of heptocellular carcinoma among children. ⁵ In a Korean study in adult males, vaccination against hepatitis B virus has been shown to decrease the incidence of, and risk of, developing hepatocellular carcinoma in adults. ⁶

Considering the serious consequences of infection, immunization should be considered for all persons at potential risk of exposure to the hepatitis B virus. Mothers infected with hepatitis B virus can infect their infants at, or shortly after, birth if they are carriers of the HBsAg antigen or develop an active infection during the third trimester of pregnancy. Infected infants usually become chronic carriers. Therefore, screening of pregnant women for hepatitis B is recommended. ¹ Because of vaccination strategy limited to high-risk individuals has failed to substantially lower the overall incidence of hepatitis B infection, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends vaccination of all persons from birth to age 18. ⁷ The Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has also endorsed universal infant immunization as part of a comprehensive strategy for the control of hepatitis B infection. ⁸ The AAP, American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and American Medical Association (AMA) also recommend routine vaccination of adolescents 11 to 12 years of age who have not been vaccinated previously. ⁹ The AAP further recommends that providers administer hepatitis B vaccine to all previously unvaccinated adolescents. ¹⁰ (See .) There is no specific treatment for acute hepatitis B infection. However, those who develop anti-HBs antibodies after active infection are usually protected against subsequent infection. Antibody titers >/=10 mIU/mL against HBsAg are recognized as conferring protection against hepatitis B. ¹¹ Seroconversion is defined as antibody titers >/=1 mIU/mL.

Immunogenicity in Healthy Adults and Adolescents:   Clinical trials in healthy adult and adolescent subjects have shown that following a course of three doses of 20 mcg Engerix-B [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant)] given according to the ACIP recommended schedule of injections at months 0, 1 and 6, the seroprotection (antibody titers >/=10 mIU/mL) rate for all individuals was 79% at month 6 and 96% at month 7; the geometric mean antibody titer (GMT) for seroconverters at month 7 was 2,204 mIU/mL. On an alternate schedule (injections at months 0, 1 and 2) designed for certain populations (e.g., neonates born of hepatitis B infected mothers, individuals who have or might have been recently exposed to the virus, and certain travelers to high-risk areas. See .), 99% of all individuals were seroprotected at month 3 and remained protected through month 12. On the alternate schedule, an additional dose at 12 months produced a GMT for seroconverters at month 13 of 9,163 mIU/mL.

Immunogenicity in Adolescents: In clinical trials with healthy adolescent subjects 11 through 19 years of age, immunization with 10 mcg using a 0, 1, 6-month schedule produced a seroprotection rate of 97% at month 8 (N=119) with a GMT of 1,989 mIU/mL (N=118, 95% confidence intervals=1,318-3,020). Immunization with 20 mcg using a 0, 1, 6-month schedule produced a seroprotection rate of 99% at month 8 (N=122) with a GMT of 7,672 mIU/mL (N=122, 95% confidence intervals=5,248-10,965).

Immunogenicity in Neonates:   Immunization with 10 mcg at 0, 1 and 2 months of age produced a seroprotection rate of 96% in infants by month 4, with a GMT among seroconverters of 210 mIU/mL (N=311); an additional dose at month 12 produced a GMT among seroconverters of 2,941 mIU/mL at month 13 (N=126).

Immunization with 10 mcg at 0, 1 and 6 months of age produced seroconversion in 100% of infants by month 7 with a GMT of 713 mIU/mL (N=52), and the seroprotection rate was 97%.

Clinical trials indicate that administration of hepatitis B immune globulin at birth does not alter the response to Engerix-B [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant)].

Immunogenicity in Pediatric Patients:   In clinical trials with 242 children ages 6 months to, and including, 10 years given 10 mcg at months 0, 1 and 6, the seroprotection rate was 98% 1 to 2 months after the third dose; the GMT of seroconverters was 4,023 mIU/mL.

Immunogenicity in Older Subjects:   Among older subjects given 20 mcg at months 0, 1 and 6, the seroprotection rate 1 month after the third dose was 88%. However, as with other hepatitis B vaccines, in adults over 40 years of age, Engerix-B vaccine produced anti-HBs titers that were lower than those in younger adults (GMT among seroconverters 1 month after the third 20 mcg dose with a 0, 1, 6-month schedule: 610 mIU/mL for individuals over 40 years of age, N=50).

In a separate clinical trial including both children and adolescents aged 5 to 16 years, 10 mcg of Engerix-B was administered at 0, 1, and 6 months (N=181) or 0, 12, and 24 months (N=161). Immediately before the third dose of vaccine, seroprotection was achieved in 92.3% of subjects vaccinated on the 0, 1, 6-month schedule and 88.8% of subjects on the 0, 12, 24-month schedule (117.9 mIU/mL vs. 162.1 mIU/mL, respectively, p =0.18). One month following the third dose, seroprotection was achieved in 99.5% of children vaccinated on the 0, 1, 6-month schedule compared to 98.1% of those on the 0, 12, 24-month schedule. GMTs were higher ( p =0.02) for children receiving vaccine on the 0, 1, 6-month schedule compared to those on the 0, 12, 24-month schedule (5687.4 mIU/mL vs. 3158.7 mIU/mL, respectively). The clinical relevance of this finding is unknown.

Immunogenicity in Subjects with Chronic Hepatitis C:   In a clinical trial of subjects with chronic hepatitis C, 31 subjects received Engerix-B on the usual 0, 1, 6-month schedule. All subjects responded with seroprotective titers. The GMT of anti-HBs was 1,260 mIU/mL (95% Cl:709-2237).

Hemodialysis Patients:   Hemodialysis patients given hepatitis B vaccines respond with lower titers, ¹² which remain at protective levels for shorter durations than in normal subjects. In a study in which patients on chronic hemodialysis (mean time on dialysis was 24 months; N=562) received 40 mcg of the plasma-derived vaccine at months 0, 1 and 6, approximately 50% of patients achieved antibody titers >/=10 mIU/mL. ¹² Since a fourth dose of Engerix-B given to healthy adults at month 12 following the 0, 1, 2-month schedule resulted in a substantial increase in the GMT (see above), a four-dose regimen was studied in hemodialysis patients. In a clinical trial of adults who had been on hemodialysis for a mean of 56 months (N=43), 67% of patients were seroprotected 2 months after the last dose of 40 mcg of Engerix-B (two × 20 mcg) given on a 0, 1, 2, 6-month schedule; the GMT among seroconverters was 93 mIU/mL.

Protective Efficacy: Protective efficacy with Engerix-B [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant)] has been demonstrated in a clinical trial in neonates at high risk of hepatitis B infection. ^13,14 Fifty-eight neonates born of mothers who were both HBsAg and HBeAg positive were given Engerix-B (10 mcg at 0, 1 and 2 months) without concomitant hepatitis B immune globulin. Two infants became chronic carriers in the 12-month follow-up period after initial inoculation. Assuming an expected carrier rate of 70%, ¹ the protective efficacy rate against the chronic carrier state during the first 12 months of life was 95%.

Other Clinical Studies:   In one study, ¹⁵ four of 244 (1.6%) adults (homosexual men) at high risk of contracting hepatitis B virus became infected during the period prior to completion of three doses of Engerix-B (20 mcg at 0, 1, 6 months). No additional patients became infected during the 18-month follow-up period after completion of the immunization course.

Interchangeability with Other Hepatitis B Vaccines:   Recombinant DNA vaccines are produced in yeast by expression of a hepatitis B virus gene sequence that codes for the hepatitis B surface antigen. Like plasma-derived vaccine, the yeast-derived vaccines are protein particles visible by electron microscopy and have hepatitis B surface antigen epitopes as determined by monoclonal antibody analyses. Yeast-derived vaccines have been shown by in vitro analyses to induce antibodies (anti-HBs) which are immunologically comparable by epitope specificity and binding affinity to antibodies induced by plasma-derived vaccine. ¹⁶ In cross absorption studies, no differences were detected in the spectra of antibodies induced in man to plasma-derived or to yeast-derived hepatitis B vaccines. ¹⁶

Additionally, patients immunized approximately 3 years previously with plasma-derived vaccine and whose antibody titers were <100 mIU/mL (GMT: 35 mIU/mL; range: 9-94) were given a 20 mcg dose of Engerix-B [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant)]. All patients, including two who had not responded to the plasma-derived vaccine, showed a response to Engerix-B (GMT: 5,069 mIU/mL; range: 624 -15,019). There have been no clinical studies in which a three-dose vaccine series was initiated with a plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine and completed with Engerix-B, or vice versa. However, because the in vitro and in vivo studies described above indicate the comparability of the antibody produced in response to plasma-derived vaccine and Engerix-B, it should be possible to interchange the use of Engerix-B and plasma-derived vaccines (but see CONTRAINDICATIONS ).

A controlled study (N=48) demonstrated that completion of a course of immunization with one dose of Engerix-B (20 mcg, month 6) following two doses of Recombivax HB®* (10 mcg, months 0 and 1) produced a similar GMT (4,077 mIU/mL) to immunization with three doses of Recombivax HB (10 mcg, months 0, 1 and 6; 2,654 mIU/mL). Thus, Engerix-B can be used to complete a vaccination course initiated with Recombivax HB.

Engerix-B is indicated for immunization against infection caused by all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus. As hepatitis D (caused by the delta virus) does not occur in the absence of hepatitis B infection, it can be expected that hepatitis D will also be prevented by Engerix-B vaccination

Engerix-B will not prevent hepatitis caused by other agents, such as hepatitis A, C and E viruses, or other pathogens known to infect the liver.

Immunization is recommended in persons of all ages, especially those who are, or will be, at increased risk of exposure to hepatitis B virus, ¹ for example:

Health Care Personnel:   Dentists and oral surgeons. Dental, medical and nursing students. Physicians, surgeons and podiatrists. Nurses. Paramedical and ambulance personnel and custodial staff who may be exposed to the virus via blood or other patient specimens. Dental hygienists and dental nurses. Laboratory and blood-bank personnel handling blood, blood products, and other patient specimens. Hospital cleaning staff who handle waste.

Selected Patients and Patient Contacts:   Patients and staff in hemodialysis units and hematology/oncology units. Patients requiring frequent and/or large volume blood transfusions or clotting factor concentrates (e.g., persons with hemophilia, thalassemia, sickle-cell anemia, cirrhosis). Clients (residents) and staff of institutions for the mentally handicapped. Classroom contacts of deinstitutionalized mentally handicapped persons who have persistent hepatitis B surface antigenemia and who show aggressive behavior. Household and other intimate contacts of persons with persistent hepatitis B surface antigenemia.

Infants, Including Those Born of HBsAG-Positive Mothers Whether HBeAg Positive or Negative (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION .)

Adolescents (See .)

Subpopulations with a Known High Incidence of the Disease, such as: Alaskan Eskimos. Pacific Islanders. Indochinese immigrants. Haitian immigrants. Refugees from other HBV endemic areas. All infants of women born in areas where the infection is highly endemic.

Individuals with Chronic Hepatitis C:   Risk factors for hepatitis C are similar to those for hepatitis B. Consequently, immunization with hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for individuals with chronic hepatitis C.

Persons Who May Be Exposed to the Hepatitis B Virus by Travel to High-Risk Areas (See ACIP Guidelines, 1990.)

Military Personnel Identified as Being at Increased Risk

Morticians and Embalmers

Persons at Increased Risk of the Disease Due to Their Sexual Practices, ¹⁷ such as: Persons with more than one sexual partner in a 6-month period. Persons who have contracted a sexually transmitted disease. Homosexually active males. Female prostitutes.

Prisoners

Users of Illicit Injectable Drugs

Others:   Police and fire department personnel who render first aid or medical assistance, and any others who, through their work or personal life-style, may be exposed to the hepatitis B virus. Adoptees from countries of high HBV endemicity.

Use with Other Vaccines:   The Immunization Practices Advisory Committee states that, in general, simultaneous administration of certain live and inactivated pediatric vaccines has not resulted in impaired antibody responses or increased rates of adverse reactions. ¹⁸ Separate sites and syringes should be used for simultaneous administration of injectable vaccines.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Hypersensitivity to yeast or any other component of the vaccine is a contraindication for use of the vaccine. Patients experiencing hypersensitivity after an Engerix-B [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant)] injection should not receive further injections of Engerix-B.

Hepatitis B has a long incubation period. Hepatitis B vaccination may not prevent hepatitis B infection in individuals who had an unrecognized hepatitis B infection at the time of vaccine administration. Additionally, it may not prevent infection in individuals who do not achieve protective antibody titers.

PRECAUTIONS

General As with other vaccines, although a moderate or severe febrile illness is sufficient reason to postpone vaccination, minor illnesses such as mild upper respiratory infections with or without low-grade fever are not contraindications. ¹⁸

Prior to immunization, the patient' medical history should be reviewed. The physician should review the patient' immunization history for possible vaccine sensitivity, previous vaccination-related adverse reactions and occurrence of any adverse-event-related symptoms and/or signs, in order to determine the existence of any contraindication to immunization with Engerix-B and to allow an assessment of benefits and risks. Epinephrine injection (1:1000) and other appropriate agents used for the control of immediate allergic reactions must be immediately available should an acute anaphylactic reaction occur.

A separate sterile syringe and needle or a sterile disposable unit should be used for each individual patient to prevent transmission of hepatitis or other infectious agents from one person to another. Needles should be disposed of properly and should not be recapped.

Special care should be taken to prevent injection into a blood vessel.

As with any vaccine administered to immunosuppressed persons or persons receiving immunosuppressive therapy, the expected immune response may not be obtained. For individuals receiving immunosuppressive therapy, deferral of vaccination for at least 3 months after therapy may be considered. ¹⁸

Multiple Sclerosis: Although no causal relationship has been established, rare instances of exacerbation of multiple sclerosis have been reported following administration of hepatitis B vaccines and other vaccines. In persons with multiple sclerosis, the benefit of immunization for prevention of hepatitis B infection and sequelae must be weighed against the risk of exacerbation of the disease.

Information for the Patient

Patients, parents or guardians should be informed of the potential benefits and risks of the vaccine, and of the importance of completing the immunization series. As with any vaccine, it is important when a subject returns for the next dose in a series that he/she be questioned concerning occurrence of any symptoms and/or signs of an adverse reaction after a previous dose of the same vaccine. Patients, parents or guardians should be told to report severe or unusual adverse reactions to their healthcare provider.

The parent or guardian should be given the Vaccine Information Materials, which are required by the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 to be given prior to immunization.

Drug Interactions

For information regarding simultaneous administration with other vaccines, refer to .

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Engerix-B [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant)] has not been evaluated for carcinogenic or mutagenic potential, or for impairment of fertility.

Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Engerix-B. It is also not known whether Engerix-B can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Engerix-B should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers It is not known whether Engerix-B is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Engerix-B is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use Engerix-B has been shown to be well tolerated and highly immunogenic in infants and children of all ages. Newborns also respond well; maternally transferred antibodies do not interfere with the active immune response to the vaccine. (See for seroconversion rates and titers in neonates and children. See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION for recommended pediatric dosage and for recommended dosage for infants born of HBsAg-positive mothers.)

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Engerix-B [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant)] is generally well tolerated. As with any vaccine, however, it is possible that expanded commercial use of the vaccine could reveal rare adverse reactions.

Ten double-blind studies involving 2,252 subjects showed no significant difference in the frequency or severity of adverse experiences between Engerix-B and plasma-derived vaccines. In 36 clinical studies a total of 13,495 doses of Engerix-B were administered to 5,071 healthy adults and children who were initially seronegative for hepatitis B markers, and healthy neonates. All subjects were monitored for 4 days post-administration. Frequency of adverse experiences tended to decrease with successive doses of Engerix-B. Using a symptom checklist, ^** the most frequently reported adverse reactions were injection site soreness (22%) and fatigue ^** (14%). Other reactions are listed below.

Incidence 1% to 10% of Injections

Local reactions at injection site: Induration; erythema; swelling.

Body as a whole:   Fever (>37.5°C).

Nervous system: Headache ^** ; dizziness. ^**

^** Parent or guardian completed forms for children and neonates. Neonatal checklist did not include headache, fatigue or dizziness.

Incidence <1% of Injections

Local reactions at injection site: Pain; pruritus; ecchymosis.

Body as a whole:   Sweating; malaise; chills; weakness; flushing; tingling.

Cardiovascular system: Hypotension.

Respiratory system: Influenza-like symptoms; upper respiratory tract illnesses.

Gastrointestinal system: Nausea; anorexia; abdominal pain/cramps; vomiting; constipation; diarrhea.

Lymphatic system: Lymphadenopathy.

Musculoskeletal system: Pain/stiffness in arm, shoulder or neck; arthralgia; myalgia; back pain.

Skin and appendages:   Rash; urticaria; petechiae; pruritus; erythema.

Nervous system: Somnolence; insomnia; irritability; agitation.

Additional adverse experiences have been reported with the commercial use of Engerix-B . Those listed below are to serve as alerting information to physicians.

Hypersensitivity:   Anaphylaxis; erythema multiforme including Stevens-Johnson syndrome; angioedema; arthritis. An apparent hypersensitivity syndrome (serum-sicknesslike) of delayed onset has been reported days to weeks after vaccination, including: arthralgia/arthritis (usually transient), fever and dermatologic reactions such as urticaria, erythema multiforme, ecchymoses and erythema nodosum (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ).

Cardiovascular system: Tachycardia/palpitations.

Respiratory system: Bronchospasm including asthma-like symptoms.

Gastrointestinal system: Abnormal liver function tests; dyspepsia.

Nervous system: Migraine; syncope; paresis; neuropathy including hypoesthesia, paresthesia, Guillain-Barré syndrome and Bell' palsy, transverse myelitis; optic neuritis; multiple sclerosis; seizures.

Hematologic:   Thrombocytopenia.

Skin and appendages:   Eczema; purpura; herpes zoster; erythema nodosum; alopecia.

Special senses:   Conjunctivitis; keratitis; visual distur-bances; vertigo; tinnitus; earache.

Reporting Adverse Events

The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act requires that the manufacturer and lot number of the vaccine administered be recorded by the healthcare provider in the vaccine recipient' permanent medical record, along with the date of administration of the vaccine and the name, address and title of the person administering the vaccine. ¹⁸ The Act further requires the healthcare provider to report to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services via VAERS the occurrences following immunization of any event set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table including: anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock within 4 hours, encephalopathy or encephalitis within 72 hours, or any sequelae thereof (including death). ^19,20 In addition, any event considered a contraindication to further doses should be reported. The VAERS toll-free number is 1-800-822-7967.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Injection Engerix-B [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant)] should be administered by intramuscular injection. Do not inject intravenously or intradermally. In adults, the injection should be given in the deltoid region but it may be preferable to inject in the anterolateral thigh in neonates and infants, who have smaller deltoid muscles. Engerix-B should not be administered in the gluteal region; such injections may result in suboptimal response. The attending physician should determine final selection of the injection site and needle size, depending upon the patient' age and the size of the target muscle. A 1-inch 23-gauge needle is sufficient to penetrate the anterolateral thigh in infants younger than 12 months of age. A ⁵ / ₈ -inch 25-gauge needle may be used to administer the vaccine in the deltoid region of toddlers and children up to, and including, 10 years of age. The 1-inch 23-gauge needle is appropriate for use in older children and adults. ¹⁸

Engerix-B may be administered subcutaneously to persons at risk of hemorrhage (e.g., hemophiliacs). However, hepatitis B vaccines administered subcutaneously are known to result in lower GMTs. Additionally, when other aluminum-adsorbed vaccines have been administered subcutaneously, an increased incidence of local reactions including subcutaneous nodules has been observed. Therefore, subcutaneous administration should be used only in persons who are at risk of hemorrhage with intramuscular injections.

Preparation for Administration: Shake well before withdrawal and use. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter or discoloration prior to administration. With thorough agitation, Engerix-B [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant)] is a slightly turbid white suspension. Discard if it appears otherwise. The vaccine should be used as supplied; no dilution is necessary. The full recommended dose of the vaccine should be used. Any vaccine remaining in a single-dose vial should be discarded.

Dosing Schedules: The usual immunization regimen (see Table 1) consists of three doses of vaccine given according to the following schedule: 1st dose: at elected date; 2nd dose: 1 month later; 3rd dose: 6 months after first dose.

For hemodialysis patients, in whom vaccine-induced protection is less complete and may persist only as long as antibody levels remain above 10 mIU/mL, the need for booster doses should be assessed by annual antibody testing. 40 mcg (two × 20 mcg) booster doses with Engerix-B should be given when antibody levels decline below 10 mIU/mL. ¹ Data show individuals given a booster with Engerix-B achieve high antibody titers. (See .) There are alternate dosing and administration schedules which may be used for specific populations (see Table 2 and accompanying explanations).

booster vaccinations:   Whenever administration of a booster dose is appropriate, the dose of Engerix-B is 10 mcg for children 10 years of age and under; 20 mcg for adolescents 11 through 19 years of age and 20 mcg for adults. Studies have demonstrated a substantial increase in antibody titers after Engerix-B [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant)] booster vaccination following an initial course with both plasma- and yeast-derived vaccines. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY.)

See previous section for discussion on booster vaccination for adult hemodialysis patients.

Known or presumed exposure to hepatitis B virus: Unprotected individuals with known or presumed exposure to the hepatitis B virus (e.g., neonates born of infected mothers, others experiencing percutaneous or permucosal exposure) should be given hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) in addition to Engerix-B [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant)] in accordance with ACIP recommendations ¹ and with the package insert for HBIG. Engerix-B [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant)] can be given on either dosing schedule (see above).

STORAGE

Store between 2° and 8°C (36° and 46°F). Do not freeze; discard if product has been frozen. Do not dilute to administer.

HOW SUPPLIED

Adult Dose

20 mcg/mL in Single-Dose Vials in packages of 1 and 25 vials.

NDC 58160-860-01 (package of 1)

NDC 58160-860-16 (package of 25)

20 mcg/mL in Single-Dose Prefilled Disposable Syringes.

NDC 58160-861-05 (package of 5)

20 mcg/mL in Single-Dose Prefilled Disposable Tip-Lok® Syringes with 1-inch 23-gauge needles.

NDC 58160-861-35 (package of 5)

NDC 58160-861-26 (package of 25)

Pediatric/Adolescent Doses

10 mcg/0.5 mL in Single-Dose Vials in packages of 1 and 10 vials.

NDC 58160-856-01 (package of 1)

NDC 58160-856-11 (package of 10)

10 mcg/0.5 mL in Single-Dose Prefilled Disposable

Tip-Lok® Syringes with 1-inch 23-gauge needles.

NDC 58160-856-35 (package of 5)

NDC 58160-856-26 (package of 25)

10 mcg/0.5 mL in Single-Dose Prefilled Disposable

Tip-Lok® Syringes with ⁵ / ₈ -inch 25-gauge needles.

NDC 58160-856-36 (package of 5)

NDC 58160-856-27 (package of 25)

PRODUCT PHOTO(S):

NOTE: These photos can be used only for identification by shape, color, and imprint. They do not depict actual or relative size.

The product samples shown here have been supplied by the manufacturer and reproduced in full color by PDR as a quick-reference identification aid. While every effort has been made to assure accurate reproduction, please remember that any visual identification should be considered preliminary. In cases of poisoning or suspected overdosage, the drug' identity should be verified by chemical analysis.

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REFERENCES

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2. Robinson, W.S.: Hepatitis B virus and the delta virus. In Mandell, G.L., Douglas, R.G., Bennett, J.E. (eds): Principles and practice of infectious diseases, vol. 3, New York, John Wiley & Sons, 1990, pp. 1204-1231.
3. Beasley, R.P., et al.: Efficacy of hepatitis B immune globulin for prevention of perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus carrier state: final report of a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Hepatology 3:135-141, 1983.
4. Centers for Disease Control. and Prevention. Federal Register, Feb. 23, 1999,64(35):9044-9045.
5. Chang M.H., Chen C.J., Lai M.S. Universal hepatitis B vaccination in Taiwan and the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in children. N. Engl. J. Med. 1997;336(26): 1855-1859.
6. Lee M.S., Kim D.H., et al. Hepatitis B vaccination and reduced risk of primary liver cancer among male adults: A cohort study in Korea. Int. J. Epidemiol. 1998;27:316-319.
7. Centers for Disease Control. and Prevention: Effectiveness of a Seventh Grade School Entry Vaccination Requirement--Statewide and Orange County, Florida. 1997-1998. MMWR . 1998; 47(34):714.
8. Committee on Infectious Diseases: Universal hepatitis B immunization. Pediatrics. 89(4):795-800, 1992.
9. Centers for Disease Control. Immunization of adolescents: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Medical Association. MMWR. 45(No. RR-13), 1996.
10. American Academy of Pediatrics: Immunization in special clinical circumstances: adolescents and college populations and hepatitis vaccines. In Peter, G. (ed): 1994 Redbook: Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases . 23rd ed. Elk Grove Village, IL, American Academy of Pediatrics, 1994, pp 64-65, 224-237.
11. Ambrosch, F.: Persistence of vaccine-induced antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen-the need for booster vaccination in adult subjects. Postgrad. Med. J. 63(Suppl. 2):129-135, 1987.
12. Stevens, C.E., et al.: Hepatitis B vaccine in patients receiving hemodialysis. N. Engl. J. Med. 311:496-501, 1984.
13. Andre, F.E., and Safary, A.: Clinical experience with a yeast-derived hepatitis B vaccine. In Zuckerman, A.J.(ed): Viral hepatitis and liver disease, Alan R. Liss, Inc., 1988, pp. 1025-1030.
14. Poovorawan, Y., et al.: Protective efficacy of a recombinant DNA hepatitis B vaccine in neonates of HBe antigen-positive mothers. JAMA. 261(22):3278-3281, June 9, 1989.
15. Goilav, C., et al.: Immunization of homosexual men with a recombinant DNA vaccine against hepatitis B: immunogenicity and protection. In Zuckerman, A.J. (ed): Viral hepatitis and liver disease, Alan R. Liss, Inc., 1988, pp. 1057-1058.
16. Hauser, P., et al.: Immunological properties of recombinant HBsAg produced in yeast. Postgrad. Med. J. 63(Suppl. 2):83-91, 1987.
17. Centers for Disease Control. and Prevention. 1998 Guidelines for treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. MMWR. 1998;47 (RR-1):102.
18. Centers for Disease Control. and Prevention: General Recommendations on Immunization: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR . 1994;43(RR-1):1-38.
19. Centers for Disease Control. National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act: Requirements for permanent vaccination records and for reporting of selected events after vaccination. MMWR . 1988;Vol.37 (No. 13):197-200.
20. National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program: Revision of the vaccine injury table. Federal Register. Wednesday, February 8, 1995;Vol. 60 (No. 26): 7694.

*yeast-derived, Hepatitis B Vaccine, MSD.

U.S. License No. 1090

Manufactured by SmithKline Beecham Biologicals

Rixensart, Belgium

Distributed by SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals

Philadelphia, PA 19101

Engerix-B and Tip-Lok are registered trademarks of SmithKline Beecham.

Rx only

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