ENGERIX-B Hepatitis B surface antigen recombinant (yeast) vaccine
Suspension for injection.
1 dose (0.5 ml) contains: 10 micrograms Hepatitis B surface antigen 2
1,
1Adsorbed on aluminium hydroxide, hydrated Total: 0.25 milligrams Al3+ 2Produced in yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) by recombinant DNA technology
20ug dose vaccine
1 dose (1 ml) contains: 20 micrograms Hepatitis B surface antigen2
1,
1Adsorbed on aluminium hydroxide, hydrated Total: 0.50 milligrams Al3+ 2Produced in yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) by recombinant DNA technology The final vaccines also contain sodium phosphate - dibasic dihydrate, sodium phosphate - monobasic dihydrate, sodium chloride, and water for injections and traces of polysorbate 20. ENGERIX-B contains no thiomersal. The manufacture of this product includes exposure to bovine derived materials. No evidence exists that any case of vCJD (considered to be the human form of bovine spongiform encephalopathy) has resulted from the administration of any vaccine product. ENGERIX-B is highly purified, and meets the WHO requirements for recombinant hepatitis B vaccines. No substances of human origin are used in its manufacture.
ENGERIX-B induces the production of specific humoral antibodies (anti-HBs), which confer immunity against hepatitis B. A peak anti-HBs antibody concentration of 10 IU/L correlates with long-termprotection against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (seroprotection). Seroconversion (SC) is defined as the appearance of antibodies 1 IU/L in a previously seronegativeparticipant.
Protective Efficacy
Clinical trials demonstrated SC rates of 97% (seroprotection (SP) rates of 96%) in normal immunocompetent adults and children following a 0, 1, 6 months schedule, and SC rates of >90% in neonates following injections at 0, 1, 2 months.
At risk groups:
In clinical studies performed in Thailand twenty years after primary vaccination during infancy, participants born to mothers who were HBV carriers, received a challenge dose of ENGERIX-B. One month later, at least 93% of participants (N=75) mounted an anamnestic response i.e. at least (greater than or equal to) a 4-fold rise in post-challenge dose anti-HB's antibody concentrations in subjects seropositive at the previous available long-term time-point, demonstrating immune memory. Following a 0, 1, 6 month schedule, SC rates of 96.6% and 99% (corresponding to SP rates of 92.3% and 93%) were obtained in mentally retarded individuals and male homosexuals respectively. In a clinical trial where thalassaemic patients received three doses of 20ug at 0, 1, 6 months, SC rates as well as SP rates were 100% (17 participants tested). In healthy adults administered vaccine doses according to a 0, 1, 2 month primary schedule with a 12 month booster, seroprotective rates of 15% and 89% were achieved one month after the first and third doses respectively. One month after the 12 month booster dose, 95.8% of vaccinees achieved seroprotective antibody levels. In healthy adults administered a 0, 7, 21 day primary schedule with a 12 month booster, seroprotective rates of 65.2% and 76.4% were achieved one week and one month respectively following the third vaccine dose. One month after the 12 month booster dose, 98.6% of vaccinees achieved seroprotective antibody levels. In healthy adolescents (from 11 years up to and including 15 years of age) administered doses of 20 g at 0 and 6 months, SP rates were 11.3% at month 2, 26.4% at month 6 and 96.7% at month 7. Immunogenicity in this study was measured by the development of antibody to HBsAg as detected by enzyme immunoassay (seropositivity cut-off: 3.3 mIU/ml), using a titre of 10 IU/L as indicative of seroprotection. The seroprotection rates (SP) obtained with the two different dosages and schedules recommended in participants from 11 years up to and including 15 years of age were evaluated up to 66 months after the first dose of the primary vaccination and are presented in Table 1.
| Vaccine groups | Anti-HBs Month 2 SP (%) | Anti-HBs Month 6 SP (%) | Anti-HBs Month 7 SP (%) | Anti-HBs Month 30 SP (%) | Anti-HBs Month 42 SP (%) | Anti-HBs Month 54 SP (%) | Anti-HBs Month 66 SP (%) |
| ENGERIX-B 10ug (0, 1, 6 months schedule) | 55.8 (46.1- 65.1) 1 | 87.6 (80.1- 93.1) 1 | 98.2 (93.8- 99.8) 1 | 96.9 (89.2- 99.6) 1 | 92.5 (84.4- 97.2) 1 | 94.7 (87.1- 98.5) 1 | 91.4 (82.3- 96.8) 1 |
| ENGERIX-B 20ug (0, 6 months schedule) | 11.3 (7.5- 15.9) 1 | 26.4 (20.9- 32.4) 1 | 96.7 (93.6- 98.6) 1 | 87.1 (80.4- 92.2) 1 | 83.7 (77.2- 89.0) 1 | 84.4 (77.5- 89.8) 1 | 79.5 (71.7- 86.1) 1 |
95% confidence interval, (lower limit - upper limit)
These data show that a primary vaccination with ENGERIX-B vaccine induces circulating anti-HBs antibodies that persist for at least 66 months. From one month after completion of the primary course through to 66 months i.e. Month 7 to Month 66, the Seroprotection rates were comparable between the 2 groups but tended to be lower in the 20 ug Group (0, 6 months schedule) compared to the 10 ug Group (0, 1, 6 month schedule) at all timepoints. The seroprotection rates at Month 66 were 79.5% (95%CI 71.7%, 86.1%) and 91.4% (95%CI 82.3%, 96.8%) in the 20 ug Group and 10 ug Group respectively. All participants in both vaccine groups (including participants with anti-HBs antibody concentrations < 10 IU/l) received a challenge dose 72 to 78 months after primary vaccination. One month after the challenge dose, all participants mounted an anamnestic response to the challenge dose and were shown to be seroprotected (i.e. anti-HBs antibody concentrations 10 IU/l). These data suggest that protection against hepatitis B may still be conferred through immune memory in all participants who responded to primary vaccination but lost seroprotection level of anti-HBs antibodies.
In healthy participants and patients with renal insuffiency
In patients 16 years of age and above with impaired renal function, including patients undergoing haemodialysis administered 40 g (2 x 20 g) doses at 0, 1, 2 and 6 months, SP rates were 55.4% at month 3 and 87.1% at month 7.
| Group | Timing | N | SP n % |
| Pre-haemodialysis patients | Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 6 Month 7 Month 12 | 42 42 42 38 39 36 | 3 7.1 5 11.9 18 42.9 21 55.3 31 79.5 27 75.0 |
| Haemodialysis patients | Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 6 Month 7 Month 12 | 41 41 40 39 38 34 | 1 2.4 13 31.7 25 62.5 30 76.9 34 89.5 27 79.4 |
Immunogenicity was measured by the development of antibody to HBsAg as detected by enzyme immunoassay (seropositivity cut-off: 3.3 mIU/mL), using a titre of 10 IU/L as indicative of seroprotection.
Rechallenge in healthy participants
In a clinical study conducted in Germany, healthy participants (N=284) aged 12 to 13 years vaccinated during infancy with 3 doses of ENGERIX-B received a challenge dose of ENGERIX-B. One month later, 98.9% of participants were shown to be seroprotected.
Reduction in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in children
A significant reduction in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma was observed in Taiwanese children aged 6 - 14 years, following a nationwide hepatitis B vaccination program.
Interchangeability of hepatitis B vaccines
Although no clinical data has been submitted, there is no reason to believe that the use of a different formulation of hepatitis B vaccine used either during a primary vaccination course or during booster dosing will not be satisfactory.
ENGERIX-B is indicated for active immunisation against hepatitis B virus infection. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommend all infants, young children and unvaccinated adolescents receive a primary course of immunisation against hepatitis B. The NHMRC also recommends immunisation for persons who are at substantial risk and have been demonstrated or judged to be susceptible to the hepatitis B virus. Groups identified at increased risk of acquiring HBV infection include:
Infants born to carrier (HBsAg-positive) mothers.
Individuals for whom post-exposure prophylaxis for hepatitis B is indicated.
Household contacts (other than sexual partners) of acute and chronic hepatitis B cases and carriers.
Susceptible sexual contacts. Risk occurs in susceptible (anti-HBs negative) partners of HBV carriers and patients with acute hepatitis B. Susceptible clients of STD (sexually transmitted disease) clinics, and sexually active men who have sex with men are also at increased risk of infection.
Injecting drug users.
Haemodialysis patients, HIV-positive individuals and other immunosuppressed adults.
Patients receiving certain blood products especially patients with clotting disorders receiving blood product concentrates.
Individuals with chronic liver disease and / or hepatitis C.
Staff and residents of facilities for the intellectually disabled, including both residential and non- residential care of this group.
Liver transplant recipients. Such individuals should be vaccinated prior to transplantation if seronegative for hepatitis B, as they may be at increased risk of infection from the transplanted organ.
Staff and inmates of long term correctional facilities.
Health care workers, dentists, embalmers, tattooists and body-piercers. All staff directly involved in patient care, embalming, or in the handling of human blood or tissue should be vaccinated.
Individuals adopting children from overseas. These children should be tested for hepatitis B, and if HBsAg positive, members of the adoptive family should be vaccinated.
Others in whom vaccination may be justified include police, members of the armed forces and emergency services staff, depending on the risks of exposure associated with assigned duties. Long term travellers to regions of high endemicity, and those residing for some time in such regions who may anticipate close personal contact with local residents, should be vaccinated. Short-term tourists or business travellers are at very little risk of hepatitis B, provided they avoid exposure through sexual contact, injecting drug use, tattooing and body piercing. Although the risk of hepatitis B infection in contact sports is low, immunisation of those involved should not be
discouraged. As the risk in Australian schools is very low, vaccination of classroom contacts is seldom indicated. Nevertheless, vaccination of school children and adolescents should be encouraged. As hepatitis D (caused by the delta agent) does not occur in the absence of hepatitis B infection, it can be expected that hepatitis D will also be prevented by vaccination with ENGERIX-B. The vaccine will not protect against infection caused by hepatitis A, hepatitis C and hepatitis E viruses, and other pathogens known to infect the liver.
ENGERIX-B should not be administered to participants with known hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine, or to participants having shown signs of hypersensitivity after previous ENGERIX-B administration. As for any vaccine, ENGERIX-B should not be administered to participants with severe febrile infections. However, the presence of minor infections without fever does not contraindicate vaccination. HIV infection is not considered a contraindication to hepatitis B vaccination.
The vaccine should never be administered intravenously. As with all injectable vaccines, appropriate medical treatment (ie adrenaline) and supervision should always be readily available in case of anaphylactic reactions following the administration of the vaccine. It is good clinical practice that any vaccination be preceded by a review of medical history (especially with regard to previous vaccinations and possible adverse events) and a clinical examination. ENGERIX-B should not be administered in the gluteal region or intradermally/subcutaneously since these routes of administration may not result in an optimum immune response. Exceptionally in patients with thrombocytopenia or severe bleeding disorders (eg. haemophiliacs) the vaccine may be administered subcutaneously, since bleeding after intramuscular injection may occur in these patients (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). The immune response to hepatitis B vaccines is related to a number of factors including route of administration, age (more than 40 years of age), male gender, obesity, and smoking habits. As individuals in these groups may respond less optimally to hepatitis B vaccines, the administration of additional vaccine doses may be considered. In dialysis patients, HIV infected patients and participants who have impairment of the immune system, adequate antibody concentrations may not be obtained after the recommended primary vaccination course. The need for monitoring antibody levels in such patients should be considered. (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION - chronic adult haemodialysis patients) Caution should be exercised in administering the vaccine to patients in whom a systemic reaction due to the vaccine may pose a significant risk; eg in patients with severely compromised cardiopulmonary function. Syncope (fainting) can occur following, or even before, any vaccination as a psychogenic response to the needle injection. It is important that procedures are in place to avoid injury from faints. Because of the long incubation period of hepatitis B, it is possible for unrecognised infection to be present at the time of vaccination. The vaccine may not prevent hepatitis B in such cases. The vaccine may not prevent infection in individuals who do not achieve protective antibody titres. The vaccine will not protect against infection caused by hepatitis A, hepatitis C and hepatitis E viruses, and other pathogens known to infect the liver. The potential risk of apnoea and the need for respiratory monitoring for 48-72 hours should be considered when administering the primary immunisation series to very premature infants (born <= 28 weeks of gestation) and particularly for those with a previous history of respiratory immaturity. As the benefit of vaccination is high in this group of infants, vaccination should not be withheld or delayed.
Adequate human data on use during pregnancy and adequate animal reproduction studies are not available. Therefore, vaccination of pregnant women cannot be recommended, unless expected benefits outweigh potential risks, as might occur in high risk situations.
Adequate human data on use during lactation and adequate animal reproduction studies are not available.
No information available.
See under PRECAUTIONS for use in haemodialysis patients.
ENGERIX-B SHOULD NOT BE MIXED IN THE SAME SYRINGE WITH OTHER VACCINES. ENGERIX-B may be administered concomitantly with the following vaccines: diphtheria-tetanus- pertussis (DTP), diphtheria-tetanus (DT), poliomyelitis (oral or injectable), measles-mumps-rubella, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and hepatitis A, providing separate syringes and separate injection sites are used. ENGERIX-B can be given concomitantly with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (Cervarix). Administration of ENGERIX-B at the same time as Cervarix (HPV vaccine) has shown no clinically relevant interference in the antibody response to the HPV antigens. Anti-HBs geometric mean antibody concentrations were lower on co-administration, but the clinical significance of this observation is not known since the seroprotection rates remain unaffected. The proportion of participants reaching anti-HBs >= 10mIU/ml was 97.9% for concomitant vaccination and 100% for ENGERIX-B alone. The simultaneous administration of ENGERIX-B and hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) does not result in reduced anti-HBs antibody titres provided separate injection sites are used.
The vaccine is considered unlikely to affect the ability to drive and operate machinery.
ENGERIX-B is generally well tolerated.
Clinical Trials Experience
Based on clinical trial symptom sheet data, the incidence of local side effects is 24% and of systemic side effects 8%; both local and systemic side effects occurred in approximately 13% of participants. The incidence of local and systemic reactions was comparable to those of plasma derived hepatitis B vaccines. In a comparative trial in participants from 11 years up to and including 15 years of age, the incidence of local and general solicited symptoms reported after a two-dose regimen of ENGERIX- B 20 g was overall similar to that reported after the standard three-dose regimen of ENGERIX-B 10 g. Adverse effects data from patients who received a challenge dose of ENGERIX-B 10 g (preservative free) at 72 to 78 months after primary vaccination is shown in the below table. The Group 1 participants had received 2 doses of thiomersal-free ENGERIX-B (20 g) at 0 and 6 months, with placebo at Month 1. The Group 2 participants had received 3 doses of preservative- free ENGERIX-B (10 g) at 0, 1 and 6 months.
Table 3: Adverse effects data from patients who received a challenge dose of ENGERIX-B 10 g at 72 to 78 months after primary vaccination
| Incidence and Nature of Symptoms reported during the 4-day (Days 0-3) post-vaccination period (Total Vaccinated cohort) | |||||||||||||
| Group 1 (N=55) | Group 2 (N=22) | Pooled (N=77) | |||||||||||
| n | % | 95% CI | n | % | 95% CI | n | % | 95% CI | |||||
| LL | UL | LL | UL | LL | UL | ||||||||
| Any symptom | 38 | 69.1 | 55.2 | 80.9 | 14 | 63.6 | 40.7 | 82.8 | 52 | 67.5 | 55.9 | 77.8 | |
| General symptoms | 26 | 47.3 | 33.7 | 61.2 | 12 | 54.5 | 32.2 | 75.6 | 38 | 49.4 | 37.8 | 61.0 | |
| Local symptoms | 31 | 56.4 | 42.3 | 69.7 | 5 | 22.7 | 7.8 | 45.4 | 36 | 46.8 | 35.3 | 58.5 | |
| Solicited local symptoms | |||||||||||||
| Pain | Any | 22 | 40.0 | 27.0 | 54.1 | 4 | 18.2 | 5.2 | 40.3 | 26 | 33.8 | 23.4 | 45.4 |
| Grade 3 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 6.5 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.7 | |
| M.A | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 6.5 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.7 | |
| Redness (mm) | Any | 11 | 20.0 | 10.4 | 33.0 | 1 | 4.5 | 0.1 | 22.8 | 12 | 15.6 | 8.3 | 25.6 |
| >= 50mm | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 6.5 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.7 | |
| M.A | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 6.5 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.7 | |
| Swelling (mm) | Any | 9 | 16.4 | 7.8 | 28.8 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 9 | 11.7 | 5.5 | 21.0 |
| >= 50mm | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 6.5 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.7 | |
| M.A | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 6.5 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.7 | |
| Solicited General Symptoms | |||||||||||||
| Fatigue | Any | 19 | 34.5 | 22.2 | 48.6 | 7 | 31.8 | 13.9 | 54.9 | 26 | 33.8 | 23.4 | 45.4 |
| Grade 3 | 1 | 1.8 | 0.0 | 9.7 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 1 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 7.0 | |
| Related | 15 | 27.3 | 16.1 | 41.0 | 7 | 31.8 | 13.9 | 54.9 | 22 | 28.6 | 18.8 | 40.0 | |
| Grade 3 Related | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 6.5 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.7 | |
| M.A | 1 | 1.8 | 0.0 | 9.7 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 1 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 7.0 | |
| Fever/ (Axillary) (degC) | Any | 1 | 1.8 | 0.0 | 9.7 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 1 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 7.0 |
| >= 37.5degC | 1 | 1.8 | 0.0 | 9.7 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 1 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 7.0 | |
| >38.0degC | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 6.5 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.7 | |
| Related | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 6.5 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.7 | |
| >39.5degC Related | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 6.5 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.7 | |
| M.A | 1 | 1.8 | 0.0 | 9.7 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 1 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 7.0 | |
| Gastro- intestinal symptoms | All | 7 | 12.7 | 5.3 | 24.5 | 4 | 18.2 | 5.2 | 40.3 | 11 | 14.3 | 7.4 | 24.1 |
| Grade 3 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 6.5 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.7 | |
| Related | 7 | 12.7 | 5.3 | 24.5 | 2 | 9.1 | 1.1 | 29.2 | 9 | 11.7 | 5.5 | 21.0 | |
| Grade 3 Related | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 6.5 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.7 | |
| M.A | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 6.5 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.7 | |
| Headache | All | 14 | 25.5 | 14.7 | 39.0 | 4 | 18.2 | 5.2 | 40.3 | 18 | 23.4 | 14.5 | 34.4 |
| Grade 3 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 6.5 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.7 | |
| Related | 11 | 20.0 | 10.4 | 33.0 | 3 | 13.6 | 2.9 | 34.9 | 14 | 18.2 | 10.3 | 28.6 | |
| Grade 3 Related | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 6.5 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.7 | |
| M.A | 1 | 1.8 | 0.0 | 9.7 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.4 | 1 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 7.0 | |
Group 1 = received two doses of Engerix-B (20 mg HBsAg) in the primary study Group 2 = received three doses of Engerix-B (10 mg HBsAg) in the primary study N = number of participants who received the vaccine
n (%) = number (percentage) of participants who reported the symptom at least once 95% CI = Exact 95% confidence interval; LL = Lower limit, UL = Upper limit
Any = all reports of the specified symptom irrespective of intensity grade and relationship to vaccination Grade 3 pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, headache = pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, headache that prevented normal activity
Related = symptoms considered by the investigator to have causal relationship to vaccination Grade 3 Related = adverse event which prevented normal everyday activities and was assessed as causally related to vaccination
M.A. = symptoms for which the participants received medical attention Pooled = Pooled results of Group 1 and Group 2
The safety profile presented below is based on data from more than 5,300 participants. Events are listed within body systems and categorised by frequency according to the following definitions: Frequencies are reported as: Very common:>= 1/10 Common:>=1/100, <1/10 Uncommon:>=1/1,000, <1/100 Rare:>=1/10,000, <1/1,000 Very rare:<1/10,000 including isolated reports
Blood and lymphatic system disorders: Rare:lymphadenopathy Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Common:appetite lost Psychiatric disorders: Very common:irritability
Nervous system disorders: Common:headache (very common with 10 ug formulation), drowsiness; Uncommon:dizziness; Rare:paresthesia
Gastrointestinal disorders: Common:gastrointestinal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain)
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Rare:rash, pruritus, urticaria
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: Uncommon:myalgia; Rare:arthralgia General disorders and administration site conditions: Very common:pain and redness at injection site, fatigue; Common:swelling at injection site, malaise, injection site reaction (such as induration), fever (37.5degC); Uncommon:influenza-like illness
Post-marketing Data
The following adverse events have been reported following widespread use of the vaccine. As with other hepatitis B vaccines, in many instances the causal relationship to the vaccine has not been established.
Autonomic nervous system:
Rare:
flushing, sweating
Body as a whole:
Rare:
fever, fatigue, malaise, chills
Very rare:
anaphylaxis, delayed hypersensitivity reactions, mimicking serum sickness
Unknown frequency
: allergic reactions including anaphylactoid reactions
Cardiovascular
Very rare:
syncope, hypotension
Central and peripheral nervous system:
Rare:
paraesthesia, dizziness, headache
Very rare:
paralysis, neuropathy (including Guillain-Barre syndrome, facial paralysis, optic neuritis [visual disturbance] and multiple sclerosis), encephalitis, encephalopathy, meningitis, neck stiffness, neuritis and vertigo, convulsions
Unknown frequency
: hypoaesthesia
Gastrointestinal system:
Rare:
nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain
Very rare:
anorexia
Hearing and Vestibular:
Very rare:
tinnitus
Liver and biliary system:
Rare:
abnormal liver function tests
Local reactions:
Common:
transient soreness, pain, induration, erythema, and swelling at the injection site have been reported. These reactions are usually mild and subside within two days.
Very rare:
ecchymosis at the injection site
Musculoskeletal system: Rare:arthralgia, myalgia Very rare:arthritis
Unknown frequency
: muscular weakness
Platelet bleeding and clotting:
Very rare:
thrombocytopenia
Psychiatric:
Very rare:
disturbed sleep
Respiratory system:
Very rare:
bronchospasm-like symptoms, pharyngitis or other upper respiratory infection, cough
Skin and appendages:
Rare:
urticaria, rash, pruritus
Very rare:
severe skin disorders such as erythema multiforme, angioedema
Unknown frequency
: lichen planus
Urinary system:
Very rare:
dysuria
Vascular extracardiac:
Very rare:
vasculitis
White cell and reticulo-endothelial system:
Very rare:
lymphadenopathy
The vaccine is a ready-to-use suspension. It must be shaken well before use, since upon storage, the vaccine settles down as a fine white deposit with a clear colourless supernatant. After shaking, the vaccine is a slightly opaque, white suspension. The vaccine should be inspected visually for any foreign particulate matter and/or abnormal physical appearance prior to administration. In the event of either being observed, the vaccine should be discarded. The monodose vial and pre-filled syringe presentations are for use in a single patient only and any residue must be discarded. Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
Dosage
The vaccine can be administered at any age from birth onwards. Vaccination of individuals who have antibodies against hepatitis B virus from a previous infection is not necessary.
Adults and adolescents older than 19 years:
A dose of 20 g of antigen protein in 1 mL is recommended in a 0, 1, 6 month schedule.
Adolescents:
In adolescents from the age of 10 years, up to and including 19 years, a 10 g dose is recommended provided the immunisation is carried out in the 0, 1, 6 month schedule, in circumstances which will ensure compliance to the full vaccination course. If compliance cannot be assured, then a 20 g dose should be used to increase the proportion of participants protected after the first and second doses. The 20 g vaccine can also be used in participants from 11 years up to and including 15 years of age in a 0 and 6 month schedule in situations when there is a relatively low risk of hepatitis B infection during the vaccination course and when compliance with the complete vaccination course can be anticipated. Adolescent vaccination is not necessary for children who have received a primary course of hepatitis B vaccine.
Neonates, infants and children below 10 years of age:
A dose of 10 g of antigen protein in 0.5 mL suspension is recommended in a 0, 1, 6 months schedule. For details on the recommended vaccination schedule, including use in pre-term babies, refer to the NHMRC Handbook. In neonates and infants, maternally transferred antibodies do not interfere with the active immune response to the vaccine.
Administration
ENGERIX-B should be injected intramuscularly. In adults, the injection should be given in the deltoid region but it may be preferable to inject ENGERIX-B in the anterolateral thigh in neonates and infants because of the small size of their deltoid muscle. Exceptionally, the vaccine may be administered subcutaneously in patients with thrombocytopenia or severe bleeding tendencies (e.g. haemophiliacs). ENGERIX-B MUST NOT BE GIVEN INTRAVENOUSLY.
Vaccination Schedules
For primary vaccination of adults, adolescents and children not previously exposed to the hepatitis B virus, the schedules are as follows:
| Vaccine dose | Initial | 1 month * | 6 months * | |
| Adults and adolescents over 19 years | 20 g | 1 mL | 1 mL | 1 mL |
| Adolescents from 10 up to and including 19 years ++ | 10 g | 0.5mL | 0.5mL | 0.5mL |
| Adolescents from 11 years up to and including 15 years of age # | 20 g | 1 mL | - | 1 mL |
| Neonates and children | 10 g | 0.5mL | 0.5mL | 0.5mL |
| younger than 10 years |
*
after first dose
++ if compliance cannot be assured a 20g dose should be used.
# The 20 g vaccine may be administered in participants from 11 years up to and including 15 years of age according to a 0,6 months schedule. However, in this case, protection against hepatitis B infections may not be obtained until after the second dose (see Clinical Pharmacology). Therefore this schedule should be used only when there is a relatively low risk of hepatitis B infection during the vaccination course and when completion of the two-dose vaccination course can be anticipated. If this cannot be anticipated, the three- dose schedule of the 10 g vaccine should be used.
The recommended schedule for hepatitis B vaccine in neonates is 0, 2, 4 and 6 months (refer to the
NHMRC Handbook).
The recommended treatment regimen for infants born to HBsAg positive mothers (irrespective of the mother's HBeAg status) is as follows: Vaccine Dose At birth 1 month * 6 months * ENGERIX-B vaccine 10 g 0.5mL 0.5mL 0.5mL Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin - 100 IU - - (HBIG)
* after first dose
The first dose of vaccine and immunoglobulin should preferably be given within 12 hours of birth at separate sites. The efficacy of HBIG decreases markedly if treatment is delayed beyond 48 hours. If this is not possible, vaccination should not be delayed beyond 7 days after birth. Testing for HBsAg and anti-HBs is suggested at 12-15 months of age. If HBsAg is not detectable and anti-HBs is present, the child has been protected.
In circumstances where more rapid protection is required (e.g. contacts of carriers, immunisation of travellers and newborns to carrier women) two accelerated vaccination schedules of 0, 1 and 2 months or 0, 7 and 21 days may be used. However, as higher seroprotective rates are observed following the 0, 1, 2 month schedule, it is recommended the 0, 7, 21 day schedule be administered only to adults, and only in exceptional circumstances (e.g travellers commencing hepatitis B primary vaccination within one month of departure). (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY) Since the peak antibody levels reached after these shorter schedules of primary vaccination are lower compared to the 0, 1 and 6 month schedule, it is recommended that a fourth dose (booster) be given at 12 months after the first dose of vaccine, in order to ensure adequate seroprotection rates.
The primary vaccination schedule for chronic adult haemodialysis patients or patients with impaired renal function 16 years of age and above consists of four doses of 40g. The 40 g (2mL) dose may be administered as 2 x 20 g in one injection site or in each arm. Vaccine dose Initial 1 month * 2 months * 6months *
| Chronic haemodialysis or | 40 g | 2mL | 2mL | 2mL | 2mL |
| Impaired renal function | |||||
| patients | |||||
| * after first dose |
As vaccine-induced protection in haemodialysis patients is less complete, boosting should be adapted in order to ensure the anti-HBs antibody titre remains above 10IU/L (see PRECAUTIONS). The need for booster dosing should be assessed by antibody testing at six to twelve monthly intervals. ENGERIX-B booster doses of 40 g (2 x 20 g) are recommended for these patients.
There are no adequately controlled studies on the effectiveness of hepatitis B immunoglobulin administration, along with the vaccine, in adults and older children exposed to hepatitis B virus through 1) needlestick, ocular or mucous membrane exposure to blood known or presumed to contain HBsAg; 2) human bites by known or presumed HBsAg carriers that penetrate the skin; 3) following intimate sexual contact with known or presumed HBsAg carriers. Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (human) (400 IU) should be given intramuscularly as soon as possible (must be within 72 hours of exposure). ENGERIX-B should be given at a separate site within 7 days and then at 1 month and 6 months. Passive immunisation will not interfere with active response to ENGERIX-B.
The NHMRC recommends that booster doses against hepatitis B are not required in immunocompetent individuals, since there is good evidence that a completed primary course of hepatitis B vaccination provides long lasting protection in these individuals. This applies to adults, children and all subgroups (such as health care workers). Booster doses are recommended for immunosuppressed individuals, for people living with HIV infection or with renal failure. The timing for boosting in these individuals should be decided by regular monitoring of hepatitis B antibody levels at six to twelve monthly intervals.
Cases of overdose have been reported during post-marketing surveillance. Adverse events reported following overdosage were similar to those reported with normal vaccine administration. For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poison Information Centre on 131126 (Australia).
ENGERIX-B 20 g (Adult dose): Monodose vials (1mL) in packs of 1, 10 and 25. Pre-filled syringes in packs of 1, 10 and 25. ENGERIX-B 10 g (Paediatric dose): Monodose vials (0.5mL) in packs of 1, 10 and 25. Pre-filled syringe in packs of 1, 10 and 25. Not all presentations and pack sizes maybe marketed.
NB
: Each vaccination should be carried out with a separate syringe.
The vials and syringes are made of neutral glass type 1, which conforms to European Pharmacopoeia requirements. The shelf-life of ENGERIX-B is three years from the date of manufacture when stored between +2degC to +8degC. DO NOT FREEZE, discard if the vaccine has been frozen. The expiry date of the vaccine is indicated on the label and packaging.
GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA rue de l'Institut 89 1330 Rixensart, Belgium.
GlaxoSmithKline Australia Pty Ltd Level 4, 436 Johnston Street Abbotsford Victoria 3067
Schedule 4 - Prescription Only Medicine *National Health and Medical Research Council. The Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th Edition, 2008.
24 July 2006
05 November 2013 Version 6.0
Engerix is a registered trade mark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies AUST R: 123713, 123709, 123712, 123710