Haemophilus B polysaccharide vaccine is used for the prevention of infection by Haemophilus influenza Type B (Hib) bacteria. It is an active immunizing agent. The vaccine induces the production of antibodies against the disease which leads to the protection from that organism.
Immunization with this vaccine is recommended for every child from 24 months to 5 years of age. In some cases, it can also be administered from 18 to 24 months of age according to the recommendation of a doctor.
Before using Haemophilus B Polysaccharide Vaccine, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Your doctor will consider these risks before prescribing the drug and will inform you about them.
Following factors should be considered before taking this drug:
Allergies
If you have had an allergic reaction to this drug in the past, inform your doctor. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any other drugs or food products.
Age-specific problems
The data regarding the effects of this medicine specific to the pediatric age group is not yet available. Its safety and efficacy have not been established in children.
The studies specific to the geriatric age group have not been carried out, therefore its safety and efficacy have not been established in older age group. However, geriatric population is more prone to having kidney, liver and heart problems.
Pregnancy
Regarding the safety of usage of this drug during pregnancy, it comes under “C” category, which means that clinical trials on animals have revealed harmful effects to the developing fetus or relevant studies have not been performed.
Drug Interactions
Certain drugs should not be used together because they can interact inside the body which can have a harmful effect. On the other hand, certain drugs are allowed to be used together.
So, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. If there is a chance of interaction between those two drugs, the doctor may change the dose or may prescribe an alternative drug. This medication should be used cautiously with cyclosporine.
Furthermore, certain medications should not be taken with alcohol or tobacco, which may also result in harmful interactions. Ask your doctor about the concurrent use of this drug along with alcohol or tobacco.
You should also inform your doctor about any other medical condition you may be suffering from, especially:
- Fever
- Any serious illness
Proper usage of Haemophilus B Polysaccharide Vaccine requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. It is administered as an injection under your skin or into a muscle. The dose of this vaccine varies according to the condition of each person.
The number of doses per day, the time interval between the doses and the length of time you have to take the vaccine depends on your condition individually and all these factors should only be determined by your healthcare provider. Follow each and every instruction of your doctor.
Before using Haemophilus B Polysaccharide Vaccine, there are some precautions you must take. Avoid taking any other medicine unless thoroughly discussed with your doctor.
Always ask your doctor before using any prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicine.
As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Haemophilus B Polysaccharide Vaccine. Although these side effects may occur only in a handful of patients but if they do occur, contact your physician immediately.
This medication is associated with following side effects:
- Hives
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
- Reddening of the skin (especially around ears)
- itching (especially of feet or hands)
- Unusual tiredness or weakness (sudden and severe)
- Convulsions (seizures)
- Swelling of eyes, face, or inside of the nose
Seek medical help instantly, if you experience any of these symptoms while on lanthanum. Also contact your health care professional immediately, if have overdosed on this drug. If any of these side effects becomes more bothersome or does not go away, contact your doctor.
