Genevac-B Adult Vaccine: Hepatitis B Protection for Adults
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- High fever (above 39°C) that does not subside
- Severe pain or abscess at the injection site
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction such as widespread rash or hives
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is hb vac 20mcg injection used for?
This medicine is a hepatitis B vaccine that protects adults against hepatitis B infection. It is given as an injection in three doses over six months.
- Generic Name: Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) (20mcg)
- Manufacturer: Zydus Cadila
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 hb vac 20mcg injection के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा हेपेटाइटिस बी वायरस के संक्रमण से बचाव के लिए दी जाती है। यह एक टीका है जो शरीर में हेपेटाइटिस बी के खिलाफ प्रतिरक्षा विकसित करता है। यह वयस्कों और 16 वर्ष से अधिक उम्र के किशोरों को दी जाती है। यह इंजेक्शन के रूप में मांसपेशी में लगाई जाती है। यह टीका लीवर की सूजन, सिरोसिस और लीवर कैंसर से बचाव में मदद करता है। स्वास्थ्यकर्मियों, डायलिसिस रोगियों, और संक्रमित व्यक्तियों के संपर्क में आने वालों को यह टीका लगवाना चाहिए।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस टीके के सामान्य दुष्प्रभाव हल्के होते हैं और कुछ दिनों में ठीक हो जाते हैं। इंजेक्शन की जगह पर दर्द, लालिमा या सूजन हो सकती है। सिरदर्द, थकान और हल्का बुखार भी हो सकता है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव बहुत दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन यदि सांस लेने में कठिनाई, चेहरे या गले में सूजन, तेज धड़कन या चक्कर आएं तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: यह टीका डॉक्टर या स्वास्थ्यकर्मी द्वारा इंजेक्शन के रूप में लगाया जाता है। इसे स्वयं न लगाएं। यदि आपको खून बहने की समस्या है या आप खून पतला करने वाली दवाएं ले रहे हैं तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। यदि आप गर्भवती हैं या स्तनपान करा रही हैं तो डॉक्टर को जानकारी दें। टीकाकरण के बाद 15-20 मिनट तक क्लिनिक में रुकें। टीके की पूरी खुराक लेना सुनिश्चित करें।
💊 hb vac 20mcg injection Uses & Benefits
- [{"condition":"Prevention of Hepatitis B infection","description":"This vaccine is used to prevent hepatitis B virus infection in adults and adolescents.
- It stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the hepatitis B surface antigen, providing protection against future infection.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Prevention of Hepatitis D infection","description":"Since hepatitis D virus requires hepatitis B virus to replicate, vaccination against hepatitis B also prevents hepatitis D infection.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Prevention of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer","description":"By preventing chronic hepatitis B infection, this vaccine reduces the risk of developing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: []
Primary treatment for: Hepatitis B prevention
Also treats: Hepatitis D prevention, Liver cirrhosis prevention, Liver cancer prevention
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Hepatitis B Vaccine (rDNA) (20mcg) |
| Brand Name | hb vac 20mcg injection |
| Manufacturer | Zydus Cadila |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | VACCINES |
| Action Class | Subunit (Purified antigen) |
| Route of Administration | Parenteral (intramuscular injection) |
| Storage | Store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Keep away from direct sunlight. Do not use if the vaccine has been frozen. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| WHO Guideline | The World Health Organization recommends hepatitis B vaccination for all infants as part of routine immunization, and for adults at high risk of infection. The 20 mcg dose is used for adults and adolescents aged 16 years and older. |
| ICMR Guideline | The Indian Council of Medical Research recommends hepatitis B vaccination for high-risk groups including healthcare workers, patients on dialysis, and individuals with multiple sexual partners. The adult dose is 20 mcg given intramuscularly. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This vaccine contains recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) produced by genetic engineering. When injected, the immune system recognizes this antigen as foreign and mounts a specific immune response. This leads to the production of antibodies against HBsAg (anti-HBs), which are capable of neutralizing the hepatitis B virus. The vaccine also induces memory B and T cells, providing long-term immunity. The presence of an adequate level of anti-HBs (typically ≥10 mIU/mL) is considered protective.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take hb vac 20mcg injection
Strength: Injection: 20 micrograms per 1 mL (adult strength).
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The standard adult dose of this medicine is 20 micrograms (1 mL) given as an intramuscular injection. The usual schedule is three doses: the first dose at a chosen date, the second dose one month later, and the third dose six months after the first. For certain high-risk individuals, alternative schedules may be used. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. For children and adolescents under 16 years, lower strengths (e.g., 10 micrograms) are typically used. The dosing schedule may vary. |
| Elderly Dosage | The adult dose of 20 micrograms is used for elderly patients. However, the immune response may be lower in older adults. A booster dose or higher dose may be considered in some cases. Consult your doctor. |
| Renal Impairment | No dose adjustment is required for patients with renal impairment. However, patients on dialysis may have a reduced immune response and may require additional doses or monitoring of antibody titers. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No dose adjustment is required for patients with hepatic impairment. The vaccine is safe in patients with chronic liver disease. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | Not applicable. This vaccine is given as a single dose per scheduled visit. |
Dosage Timeline
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of hb vac 20mcg injection
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of hepatitis B vaccine or to any component of the vaccine.","Severe allergic reaction to yeast (since the vaccine is produced in yeast cells).","Acute severe febrile illness (vaccination should be postponed until recovery)."]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This vaccine should be given by a healthcare professional only.","Inform your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder or are on anticoagulants, as intramuscular injection may cause bleeding.","The vaccine may not protect everyone who receives it. Continue other preventive measures.","Immunocompromised individuals may have a reduced immune response to the vaccine.","This vaccine does not treat active hepatitis B infection.","Syncope (fainting) can occur after any vaccination. Observe for 15 minutes post-injection."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
This vaccine is considered safe during breastfeeding. It does not pass into breast milk in significant amounts and is not expected to harm the nursing infant. Consult your doctor for guidance.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose with this vaccine is unlikely as it is administered by a healthcare professional. In case of accidental overdose, monitor the patient for any adverse reactions and provide symptomatic treatment. There is no specific antidote.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a scheduled dose of this vaccine, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not skip doses. The vaccination series should be completed according to the recommended schedule. If the series is interrupted, it can be resumed without starting over.
Additional Safety Advice
This medicine is given by a healthcare professional as an injection into the muscle. Do not self-administer. Inform your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder or are on blood-thinning medications, as the injection may cause bleeding. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you have a fever or acute illness, the vaccination may be postponed. Keep a record of your vaccination dates and complete the full series as scheduled. After the injection, remain in the clinic for 15-20 minutes to monitor for any immediate allergic reactions. Do not take this vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or to any component of the vaccine. This vaccine does not protect against other types of hepatitis, such as hepatitis A or C. Continue other preventive measures such as safe sex practices and not sharing needles.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Older adults may have a reduced immune response to the vaccine. It is still recommended for those at risk. Antibody titers may be checked after vaccination to confirm protection. No dose adjustment is needed.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
This vaccine is safe to receive before or during pregnancy. If you are planning pregnancy and are at risk of hepatitis B, you should get vaccinated. There is no need to delay pregnancy after vaccination.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
There are no specific restrictions after surgery. You can receive the vaccine when you are medically stable. Inform your surgeon if you have recently received the vaccine.
🦷 Dental Procedures
There are no specific considerations for dental procedures. You can undergo dental work after vaccination. Inform your dentist if you have any bleeding disorders.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
There are no specific exercise restrictions after receiving this vaccine. You can resume normal activities immediately. If you experience fatigue or fever, take it easy until you feel better.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This vaccine does not affect your ability to work or drive. You can resume normal activities immediately after the injection. Some people may feel mild fatigue or headache, which usually resolves quickly.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
You should complete the full vaccination series as prescribed. Do not stop the series without consulting your doctor. If you experience a severe allergic reaction, do not take further doses and seek medical attention.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term protection after a complete vaccination series is excellent, with immunity lasting for decades or possibly lifelong. Booster doses are generally not recommended for healthy individuals, but may be considered for immunocompromised patients or those at high risk based on antibody titers. There are no known long-term adverse effects.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Used for passive immunization after exposure to hepatitis B virus. It provides immediate but temporary protection.
Evidence: Well-establishedProvides protection against both hepatitis A and B in a single vaccine series.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
This vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines, but should be administered at a different injection site. It is safe to receive with other routine vaccines. Live vaccines should be given at least 4 weeks apart if not given simultaneously.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store in a refrigerator at 2-8°C
❌ DON'T
Do not freeze
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not expose to direct sunlight
✅ DO
Use before the expiry date
❌ DON'T
Do not use if the vaccine has been frozen
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this vaccine in its original packaging with a prescription copy if you need to continue the series. The vaccine should be stored in a refrigerator at 2-8°C. If traveling with the vaccine, use a cooler bag with ice packs to maintain the cold chain. Do not freeze. Inform customs if carrying medical supplies. Plan your doses around your travel schedule to avoid missing doses. If you are traveling to a region with high hepatitis B prevalence, ensure you are fully vaccinated before travel.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: The immune response begins within days, but full protection is achieved after the complete series, typically 1-2 months after the last dose.
A: No, the vaccine contains only the surface antigen and cannot cause infection.
A: Yes, it is considered safe during pregnancy when clinically indicated.
A: The standard schedule is three doses: at 0, 1, and 6 months.
A: Common side effects include soreness at the injection site, headache, fatigue, and mild fever.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for hb vac 20mcg injection
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
bevac 20mcg injectionBiological E Ltd ₹47.50 72.1% CHEAPER
-
genevac-b adult vaccineSerum Institute Of India Ltd ₹82.76 51.3% CHEAPER
-
cefvac- b adult vaccineCipla Ltd ₹100.00 41.2% CHEAPER
-
shanvac-b 20mcg vaccineSanofi India Ltd ₹106.14 37.6% CHEAPER
-
hepashield 20mcg vaccinePfizer Ltd ₹152.70 10.2% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: Hepatitis B vaccine can cause hepatitis B.
Fact: The vaccine contains only the surface antigen and cannot cause hepatitis B infection. - Myth: Hepatitis B vaccine is only for children.
Fact: Adults at risk also need vaccination. The 20 mcg dose is specifically for adults. - Myth: Once vaccinated, you don't need to worry about hepatitis B at all.
Fact: Vaccination is highly effective, but you should still take precautions if you are at high risk.
🔄 Alternative Options
Brand Alternatives
- Engerix-B
- Recombivax HB
- Elovac B
- Shanvac-B