Ready-made antibodies for rapid short-term protection after hepatitis B exposure
Hepatitis B immunoglobulin
Ready-made antibodies given by injection to provide fast, short-lived protection after hepatitis B exposure.
What is Hepatitis B immunoglobulin?
Hepatitis B immunoglobulin is a preparation of ready-made antibodies against the hepatitis B virus, given by injection to provide rapid, short-term protection soon after someone has been exposed, for example after a needlestick injury, contact with infected blood, or for a baby born to an infected mother. Because it supplies antibodies directly rather than teaching the body to make its own, it works straight away but its protection is temporary, so it is usually given together with the hepatitis B vaccine, which gives lasting protection. It is made from human blood plasma, so the general precautions of blood products apply, although it is generally well tolerated.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Hepatitis B immunoglobulin — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Hepatitis B immunoglobulin is a blood product made from human plasma that is rich in antibodies against the hepatitis B virus. It is used to give immediate, short-term protection to people who have been exposed to the virus and need cover quickly, such as after a needlestick injury, after sexual contact with an infected person, or for newborn babies of mothers who carry hepatitis B. It is given as an injection, usually into a muscle, by a healthcare professional, and is most effective when given as soon as possible after exposure. It is a specialist treatment provided through health services such as occupational health, sexual health or maternity care.
How it works
There are two ways the body can be protected against an infection: making its own antibodies after a vaccine (active protection), or being given antibodies that someone else's body has already made (passive protection). Hepatitis B immunoglobulin provides this passive protection: it supplies ready-made hepatitis B antibodies that can start neutralising the virus straight away, before the body would have had time to respond on its own. This immediate cover is valuable just after an exposure, but because the borrowed antibodies are gradually broken down, the protection only lasts a short while. That is why it is usually given alongside the hepatitis B vaccine, which prompts the body to build its own lasting protection.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturers.
A specialist blood product used in the UK to give rapid, short-term protection against hepatitis B soon after someone has been exposed to the virus.
Practical use
How to take Hepatitis B immunoglobulin
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is given as an injection, usually into a muscle, by a healthcare professional.
- It is given as soon as possible after a known or likely exposure to hepatitis B, as timing affects how well it works.
- It is usually given together with the hepatitis B vaccine, which it does not replace.
- Tell the team about any allergies, bleeding problems or recent vaccines before it is given.
- Report any rash, itching, swelling or breathing difficulty during or after the injection.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Hepatitis B immunoglobulin
Advantages
- Gives fast, ready-made protection straight after exposure to hepatitis B.
- Useful for needlestick injuries, contact with infected blood, and newborns of infected mothers.
- Generally well tolerated, with soreness at the injection site being the most common effect.
Disadvantages
- Its protection is short-lived, so it is usually given with the vaccine for lasting cover.
- It is a blood product made from human plasma, so the general precautions of blood products apply.
- It must be given soon after exposure to work best, and is given as an injection by a professional.
Practical use
Good to know
The key thing to understand is that hepatitis B immunoglobulin gives fast but temporary protection, because it supplies antibodies rather than teaching the body to make its own; it is not a vaccine. For this reason it is usually given together with the hepatitis B vaccine, with the immunoglobulin providing immediate cover while the vaccine builds longer-lasting protection. Timing matters, as it works best when given as soon as possible after an exposure. Because it is made from human plasma, the general precautions of blood products apply, even though donated plasma is carefully screened and treated and the batch is recorded so it can be traced. It is generally well tolerated, with soreness at the injection site being the most common effect, and it is given and supervised by a healthcare service.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to immunoglobulin products should usually avoid it, or be given it with great care.
- It is given with care to people with a deficiency of an antibody called IgA, who can be more prone to reactions.
- It should only be given by a healthcare professional who can assess the exposure and any precautions.
Monitoring
- Watching for an allergic reaction during and after the injection.
- Making sure the hepatitis B vaccine course is also arranged and completed for lasting protection.
- Following up after exposure as advised, including any blood tests the team recommends.
Side effects
- Soreness, redness or swelling where the injection is given.
- Mild fever, headache or feeling generally off-colour in some people.
- Rarely, an allergic reaction, which is why it is given where help is available.
Key interactions
- It can reduce how well some live vaccines work for a while, so the timing of those vaccines may need adjusting.
- It is given together with the hepatitis B vaccine, with the two coordinated by the team.
- Tell the team about all recent vaccines and medicines so timing can be planned.
Available as: A solution for injection, usually given into a muscle.
Answers
Hepatitis B immunoglobulin: frequently asked questions
What is hepatitis B immunoglobulin used for?
It gives rapid, short-term protection against hepatitis B soon after an exposure, such as a needlestick injury, contact with infected blood, or for a baby born to an infected mother.
Is it a vaccine?
No. It supplies ready-made antibodies for immediate, temporary protection rather than teaching the body to make its own, so it is usually given alongside the hepatitis B vaccine.
Why is it given with the vaccine?
The immunoglobulin gives fast but short-lived cover, while the vaccine builds the body's own lasting protection, so the two work together.
Is it made from blood?
Yes, it is made from human blood plasma, so the general precautions of blood products apply, although the plasma is carefully screened and treated.
How soon should it be given?
As soon as possible after exposure, because it works best when given quickly; your healthcare team will arrange it.
The wider class
About Immunoglobulin (passive immunisation)
Hepatitis B immunoglobulin belongs to the immunoglobulin (passive immunisation) class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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