Havrix 720 uses are: 

• Prevention from Hepatitis A virus infection.

Havrix 720 injection works by neutralizing the HAV particles, and the antibodies prevent the virus from infecting hepatocytes in the liver. This vaccine prevents the virus replication within the liver cells and the subsequent liver damage that can occur during an active Hepatitis A infection.

1. Immunosuppressive Medicines (Severe)
   Drugs such as high dose steroids, methotrexate, azathioprine, or biologics can weaken the immune response to Havrix. This may reduce vaccine effectiveness, so timing adjustments or booster doses may be required.

2. Chemotherapy Agents (Severe)
   Cancer medicines that suppress bone marrow can significantly blunt antibody formation after vaccination. Doctors often delay vaccination until immune function recovers.

3. HIV Medicines in Uncontrolled HIV (Moderate)
   In patients with low CD4 counts, certain antiretrovirals may influence vaccine response. Antibody levels may need monitoring to confirm adequate protection.

4. Immunoglobulin Preparations (Moderate)
   Products like IVIG or specific antibody preparations can interfere with the body’s ability to mount a response to the vaccine. Your doctor may separate doses by several weeks.

5. Other Inactivated Vaccines (Mild)
   Havrix can be safely given with most routine vaccines, though mild reactions like soreness or fever can occur when multiple injections are given together.

• Store the Havrix 720 injection in a refrigerator between (2°C-8°C).
• Keep away from moisture, heat, and light.
• It should not be frozen.

The Havrix 720 injection is administered as an injection into the upper arm. The Havrix vaccine schedule and Havrix vaccine dose required can vary depending on the individual's age and vaccination history. For Hepatitis A vaccine for infants, the vaccine is typically given in three doses, with the first dose administered at birth or shortly after that and the second and third doses given at 1-2 months and six months of age.

Havrix 720 side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Serious

• Allergic reactions such as skin problems, swelling, breathing difficulty, etc.

Common

• Headache

• Pain and redness at the injection site

• Tiredness

• Loss of appetite

• Stomach upset

• Fever

• Drowsiness

• Irritability

1. Complete the full Havrix 720 vaccine schedule to ensure optimal protection.

2. Receive the vaccine well in advance if traveling to high-risk Hepatitis A areas.

3. Finish the vaccine schedule at least two weeks before departure to allow the immune response to develop.

4. Avoid contact with objects or surfaces touched by infected individuals who have not washed their hands properly.

5. Practice proper food hygiene and sanitation to prevent HAV transmission through contaminated food and water.

1. SmithKline Beecham Ltd, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Nov 2020] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1158.pdf (Accessed 12 May 2023).
2. Hepatitis A Vaccine, Package leaflet. Information for the user - HPRA, Available at: https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/vaccines/PIL_PA0544029001.pdf (Accessed 12 May 2023).
3. HAVRIX, Package insert. Current as of October 2019. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/media/119388/download (Accessed 12 May 2023).
4. Nelson NP, Weng MK, Hofmeister MG, et al. Prevention of hepatitis A infection in the United States: Recommendations of the ACIP. MMWR 2020;69(5);1-42. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/rr/pdfs/rr6905a1-H.pdf (Accessed 12 May 2023).
5. Goodman & Gilman's, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Immunosuppressants and Immunostimulants, 12th edition, 2011, 1023.
6. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Miscellaneous drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 924, 926.