Twinrix is a combination vaccine for Hepatitis A and B. Children and adults beginning at age one may use the inactivated Hepatitis A and recombinant Hepatitis B vaccines to safeguard their health.
Like many other vaccines and medications, the Trinrix vaccine can cause adverse reactions, ranging from common Twinrix vaccine side effects to severe allergic reactions or immediate injection site pain, requiring prompt treatment.
Understanding the side effects of Twinrix can help you understand when to seek treatment from a health care professional. If you experience a severe injection site reaction that causes long-term effects and high medical costs, contact us at Sadaka Law to discuss your compensation eligibility.
The Purpose of Twinrix Vaccine
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are life-threatening viral infections that can cause viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other severe liver diseases. The Twinrix hepatitis vaccine combo includes inactivated Hepatitis A and non-infectious Hepatitis B virus strains that allow your body to build immunity against the virus infections.
The vaccine manufacturer does not guarantee 100% effectiveness against Hepatitis A and B, nor can the vaccine treat either disease if you contract it before the injection.
The medication comes in both child and adult forms. Children ages one to 15 may receive a 1-ml dose with a booster dose after six to 12 months. Adults over 18 typically must take three doses in total. After completing the required doses, patients do not need additional boosters, as the effects should last a lifetime.
What Are the Side Effects of the Twinrix Vaccine?
The Twinrix Hepatitis A and B vaccine can cause adverse reactions, ranging from common side effects like unusual tiredness and gastrointestinal disorders to rare or life-threatening complications. Review the side effects below to learn which adverse reactions to expect with your injection.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of Twinrix, based on clinical trials, include the following:
- Injection site soreness
- Injection site ecchymosis (bruising) and other vascular disorders
- Fatigue or unusual tiredness
- Headache
- Common body aches
- Fever
- Generally unwell feelings
- Injection site redness or swelling
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Fainting
- Allergic reactions
- Fussiness or irritability (in children)
Serious Side Effects
Serious systemic adverse reactions that may require immediate attention from a health care professional include the following:
- Anaphylaxis from a severe allergic reaction
- Abnormal heartbeats
- Hair loss
- Dizziness and fainting
Rare Side Effects
The rarest side effects of Twinrix, according to clinical trials, include the following:
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Muscular weakness and aching
- Swollen lymph glands tightness
- Loss of appetite
- Numbness or pins-and-needles sensations (nervous system disorders)
- Low blood pressure
- Rashes and itchiness
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, runny nose, etc.)
- Hives
Another rare and serious side effect associated with many vaccines is SIRVA (shoulder injury related to vaccine administration). SIRVA can occur from improper needle placement and injection, resulting in instant and severe shoulder pain and immobility. SIRVA victims may suffer long-term complications without full recoveries due to the complex nature of the injury.
The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) provides funds for SIRVA victims. If you suffered a shoulder injury from your injection, you might qualify for compensation.
Results from Clinical Trials
According to Twinrix clinical trials on adults receiving standard and rapid doses of three to four injections, the most common side effects include the following:
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- Injection site reactions: 35 to 41% experienced pain, and 8 to 11% experienced redness
- Headache: 13 to 22% experienced headaches
- Fatigue: 11 to 14% experienced unusual tiredness
- Gastrointestinal disorders: Less than 10% experienced nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Only 0.01 to 0.1% of adults experienced the side effects listed under the rare category above. We list additional symptoms within their respective categories, below. Fewer than 1% of adults experienced these symptoms with Twinrix:
- Psychiatric disorders: Insomnia and agitation
- Cardiac disorders: Palpitations, unusual heartbeats, and tachycardia
- Vascular disorders: Unusual bleeding, easy bruising, and flushing
- Lymphatic system disorders: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (low blood cell levels that can prevent bleeding)
- Nervous system disorders: Multiple sclerosis, Bell’s palsy, neuropathy, hypoesthesia, myelitis, neuritis, convulsions, paralysis, encephalopathy, encephalitis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Subcutaneous tissue disorders and connective tissue disorders: Rash, sweating, urticaria, back pain, transverse myelitis, myalgia, and arthralgia
Twinrix has no reported genetic disorders, unlike similar vaccines in its class. The vaccine should not cause sensitivity to lights, painful blisters, ear buzzing, acid reflux, or double vision.
How Long Should Side Effects From the Twinrix Vaccine Last?
Most mild side effects from the Twinrix Hepatitis A and B vaccine should resolve themselves within 48 hours. Clinical trials concluded that most systemic adverse reactions, including injection site soreness, do not require treatment.
Note that you may experience side effects with each Twinrix booster dose. Symptoms may vary for each dose, so you shouldn’t expect identical reactions. Contact your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen after a few days.
What Does Concerning Joint or Muscle Pain Feel Like?
Injection site soreness is the top symptom associated with Twinrix, so how can you differentiate this common reaction from SIRVA? SIRVA causes an immediate onset of severe pain and swelling. You may notice the following symptoms:
- Whole arm pain
- Intense, stabbing pain
- Shoulder dysfunction
- Frozen shoulder syndrome
- Arm and shoulder weakness
- Poor range of motion and flexibility
- Serious and sudden inflammation
- Subcutaneous tissue disorders related to the injury
Who Is At-risk of Vaccine Side Effects?
The following groups of people have increased side effect risks with the Twinrix vaccine:
- Anyone with immune system disorders: The vaccine may not be as effective if you have a weak immune system. Anyone with immune or nervous system disorders may experience worsened adverse reactions.
- Dialysis patients: Patients receiving hemodialysis may not respond effectively to the Twinrix vaccine.
- Anyone that may have an allergic reaction: If you are sensitive to any of the ingredients in Twinrix, you may experience a life-threatening allergic reaction. Twinrix may contain trace amounts of neomycin which can commonly cause allergic reactions.
- Anyone fighting an illness: Anything from respiratory tract illnesses to ear and labyrinth disorders can weaken your immune system. You may suffer more adverse reactions if you obtain the vaccine while your immune system is down.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Twinrix currently does not have enough clinical trials regarding the safety and efficacy of the vaccine on pregnant women. Because researchers do not know how Twinrix interacts with breast milk, breastfeeding mothers should avoid the injection as it is unsafe for infants under one year old. Pregnant women should only use Twinrix if the benefits outweigh the risks.
What Medications Can Interact With the Twinrix Vaccine?
Medication interactions can dampen Twinrix’s effectiveness and cause additional adverse reactions. You should tell your doctor about any prescription medications, caffeine, alcohol, or illicit drugs you take before receiving the Twinrix vaccine. Common drug interactions include the following:
- Immunosuppressants: Medications like irradiation, alkylating agents, antimetabolites, cytotoxic drugs, and corticosteroids may reduce Twinrix’s effectiveness.
- Other vaccines: Twinrix should not be administered with additional vaccines.
Side Effects from Twinrix Vaccine Drug Interactions
If you experience uncommon symptoms after your Twinrix injection, it may be from a medication interaction. Medication interactions between Twinrix and prescription drugs can cause severe and unexpected effects. Even if you take prescriptions not listed in the interactions above, you should still consult your doctor before receiving the vaccine.
Diagnosing Side Effects From the Twinrix Vaccine
If you experience any concerning symptoms from your Twinrix vaccine, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible for a confirmed diagnosis. Your doctor may examine the injection site and your symptoms to determine the severity. Patients with critical, long-term injuries who seek compensation will need this initial medical exam and diagnosis for a successful claim.
Treating Side Effects From the Twinrix Vaccine
Understanding how to respond to Twinrix Hepatitis A and B vaccine reactions can help you heal and move forward. Mild reactions typically only require at-home remedies, while severe reactions may warrant medical intervention.
What To Do If You Experience Mild Vaccine Side Effects
If you experience mild symptoms, like those listed under the common reaction category, they will likely resolve on their own. You may apply ice or take over-the-counter medications to help you deal with common reactions. Monitor your symptoms and contact your doctor if they worsen after 48 hours.
What To Do If You Experience Severe Illness or Injection Site Pain
You should receive immediate medical attention if you experience any severe or rare reactions. Review the list of serious symptoms to understand what to look out for. If you’re unsure about the severity of your symptoms, call your doctor.
If your severe reaction creates high medical costs and long-term treatment requirements, you should speak with a vaccine injury attorney about your compensation options.
Can You Prevent Twinrix Vaccine Side Effects?
You cannot prevent most vaccine reactions, though you can help your administrator and health care team avoid injection mistakes. We recommend the following:
- Inform your medical team of any allergies beforehand.
- List all medications you take.
- Tell your doctor about your alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and illicit drug usage.
- Ask your administrator about over-the-counter medications for symptom alleviation.
- Learn the proper injection administration techniques.
- Relax your arm and hold still during the injection.
- Monitor all symptoms carefully and receive immediate care for serious concerns.
Can the Twinrix Vaccine Cause Long-term Health Problems?
Yes, the Twinrix vaccine can cause long-term health problems. Some common long-term complications from Twinrix include the following:
SIRVA can occur from various hepatitis A and B vaccines, including Twinrix. Approximately 62% of reported SIRVA cases do not fully recover. Patients often must deal with chronic shoulder pain and mobility problems, requiring long-term physical therapy, medications, and treatments.
Can You File a Case If You Got Injured From A Twinrix Vaccine?
If you got injured from a Twinrix Hepatitis A or B vaccine, or suffered serious Twinrix vaccine side effects, you might be eligible for compensation. Injuries due to improper injections or medical negligence may constitute claims. For example, injections too high in the shoulder that cause severe injury or injections despite the doctor’s awareness of medication interactions or allergies may constitute claim eligibility.
How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Twinrix Vaccine Injury?
Compensation depends on your injury severity, medical costs, and prognosis. Typically, you can seek compensation for your past, present, and future medical costs, loss of income, and loss of household services.
The VICP has awarded approximately $70 million to 500 SIRVA victims in the last 11 years. The average claim payout is $140,000, with the maximum around $250,000.
Did You Suffer Severe Injuries or Illnesses After Your Vaccine?
If you suffered serious injuries or illnesses after your Twinrix vaccine, you might be eligible for compensation. Contact our vaccination injury law team at Sadaka Law today or call our injury hotline at 1 (800) 810-3457 to speak with our vaccine injury lawyers about your Twinrix vaccine side effects.
