Recombivax and Zelnorm

• Generic Name: hepatitis b adult vaccine
• Dosage Forms: injection, suspension
• Other Brand Names: Engerix-B, Heplisav-B, Recombivax HB Adult, Recombivax HB Dialysis Formulation

Hepatitis is a serious disease caused by a virus. Hepatitis causes inflammation of the liver, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Hepatitis can lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis, or death.

Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver that is spread through blood or bodily fluids, sexual contact or sharing IV drug needles with an infected person, or during childbirth when the mother is infected.

The hepatitis B adult vaccine is used to help prevent this disease in adults.

This vaccine works by exposing you to a small amount of the virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Vaccination with hepatitis B adult vaccine is recommended for all adults who are at risk of getting hepatitis B. Risk factors include: having more than one sex partner; being a homosexual male; having sexual contact with infected people; having chronic liver disease; having diabetes and being under age 60; having HIV or AIDS; using intravenous (IV) drugs; being on dialysis or receiving blood transfusions; working in an institution for developmentally disabled patients; working in healthcare or public safety and being exposed to human blood; being in the military or traveling to high-risk areas; and living with a person who has hepatitis B.

Like any vaccine, the hepatitis B vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

• Generic Name: tegaserod
• Dosage Forms: tablet
• Other Brand Names: Zelnorm

Zelnorm increases the action of a chemical called serotonin in the intestines. This speeds the movement of stools through the bowels.

Zelnorm is used to treat severe, chronic, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women under 65 years of age who have constipation (and not diarrhea) as their main bowel problem.

Zelnorm may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.