Description
What Is Immunohbs 1000 IU/3 mL?
Immunohbs is a human hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) — a sterile preparation of concentrated antibodies (immunoglobulin G) directed against the hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs). The 1000 IU presentation contains 1000 international units of anti-HBs antibody in a 3 mL vial for intramuscular use. It provides immediate, ready-made (passive) immunity against the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
Immunohbs is a prescription-only biological medicine prepared from the pooled plasma of screened human donors with high levels of hepatitis B antibodies. Because it supplies antibodies directly rather than prompting the body to make its own, it gives rapid but temporary protection, making it valuable in situations where immediate defence against HBV is needed.
Active Ingredient & Mechanism of Action
The active substance is human anti-hepatitis B immunoglobulin, mainly immunoglobulin G (IgG) with a high titre of antibodies against the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). It works by passive immunisation: the pre-formed antibodies bind directly to the hepatitis B virus and its surface antigen.
By binding circulating HBsAg and virus particles, the antibodies neutralise the virus and promote its clearance before it can infect liver cells, or help prevent re-infection of a transplanted liver. This protection is immediate but temporary, lasting weeks to a few months, unlike the long-lasting active immunity produced by hepatitis B vaccination.
Approved Indications
Immunohbs is indicated for the prevention of hepatitis B virus infection in several situations: prevention of HBV re-infection after liver transplantation for hepatitis B-induced liver failure; post-exposure prophylaxis in non-immunised people accidentally exposed (for example needlestick injury, mucosal or sexual exposure); newborns of hepatitis B carrier mothers; and people who did not respond (no adequate antibody formation) to hepatitis B vaccination and need continued protection.
Dosage & Administration
Doses are expressed in international units (IU) and depend on the indication, patient weight, clinical status, and anti-HBs levels. A qualified clinician must select the regimen according to the official product information and local hepatitis B prophylaxis guidelines. Post-exposure prophylaxis should be given as soon as possible after urgent clinical assessment, while newborn and liver-transplant protocols require specialist supervision.
How to Administer Immunohbs
Immunohbs 1000 IU/3 mL is given by intramuscular injection under medical supervision. It should be at room temperature before use and inspected — the solution should be clear or slightly opalescent. Intramuscular doses are given into a large muscle; if a large volume is needed it may be split across sites. Where hepatitis B vaccine is also given, the immunoglobulin and vaccine are injected at separate sites.
Missed Dose
Immunohbs is usually given as a single dose or on a scheduled protocol rather than as regular self-medication. If a scheduled dose (for example in a transplant or repeat-prophylaxis regimen) is missed, contact the treating team promptly, as timing is important for maintaining protective antibody levels. Do not attempt to adjust the schedule yourself.
Overdose
The consequences of an overdose of immunoglobulin are not established and are generally expected to be limited. Any suspected overdose should be assessed promptly by a healthcare professional, with monitoring and supportive care as clinically indicated.
Storage Conditions
Store Immunohbs in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C in the original carton to protect it from light; do not freeze. Do not use it after the expiry date, and do not use any solution that is cloudy or contains particles. Keep it out of the reach and sight of children. Any unused product or waste should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements for biological materials.
Contraindications
Immunohbs is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to human immunoglobulins or any excipient. Particular caution applies in patients with selective IgA deficiency who have antibodies against IgA, as they may react to IgA traces. Intramuscular administration is contraindicated in patients with severe thrombocytopenia or coagulation (bleeding) disorders that make intramuscular injection unsafe; an alternative route should be considered.
Warnings & Precautions
True hypersensitivity reactions are rare, but patients should be observed for at least 20 minutes after injection; adrenaline should be available for anaphylaxis. Because it is made from human plasma, standard measures are taken to reduce the risk of transmitting infections, though a theoretical risk cannot be completely excluded — keeping a record of the batch number is recommended. Immunoglobulins may temporarily interfere with live vaccines. Caution is advised in patients with cardiovascular risk factors when large intravenous doses are used.
Common & Serious Side Effects
Injection-site reactions such as pain, tenderness, or swelling are the most common effects. Occasionally, fever, chills, headache, nausea, joint pain, or a general feeling of being unwell may occur. Serious effects are uncommon but include allergic or anaphylactic reactions — seek urgent help for a rash, swelling of the face or throat, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or a sudden drop in blood pressure shortly after administration.
Drug Interactions
The most important interaction is with live attenuated virus vaccines (such as measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella): the antibodies in Immunohbs can reduce the effectiveness of these vaccines, so live vaccination should generally be delayed for about 3 months after administration. The hepatitis B vaccine can be given at the same time as Immunohbs, but at a separate injection site. Inform your doctor of any recent or planned vaccinations.
Required Tests & Monitoring
Monitoring centres on anti-HBs antibody levels, especially in liver transplant recipients, where trough titres guide the dose and interval needed to stay above the protective threshold. In post-exposure and newborn prophylaxis, hepatitis B serology and follow-up vaccination response may be checked. Recording the product name and batch number for each administration supports traceability of this plasma-derived medicine.
Diet & Lifestyle Support
No specific diet is required. General measures to reduce hepatitis B risk remain important — completing the hepatitis B vaccination course where indicated (for lasting active immunity), practising safe injection and sexual health, and following infection-control advice. For newborns of carrier mothers, timely vaccination alongside the immunoglobulin is key. Keep all follow-up appointments so antibody protection and vaccine response can be confirmed.
Expected Timeline for Protection
Because Immunohbs supplies ready-made antibodies, protection is immediate — useful when rapid defence is essential, such as after exposure or at birth. However, this passive protection is temporary, typically lasting a few weeks to a few months as the antibodies are gradually cleared. For lasting immunity, hepatitis B vaccination is used alongside or after the immunoglobulin so the body can build its own long-term protection.
Effect on Other Medications & Conditions
The main effect on other treatments is reduced response to live vaccines for a period after administration. It does not typically interact with antiviral nucleos(t)ide analogues, which are often used together with HBIG in transplant prophylaxis. In patients with IgA deficiency, cardiovascular disease, or bleeding disorders, these conditions influence how and by which route it is given. All conditions and medicines should be reviewed by the prescriber.
When to See a Doctor
Seek emergency care immediately for signs of a severe allergic reaction after an injection — widespread rash, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or feeling faint. Contact your doctor if you develop a high fever, persistent headache, significant injection-site reaction, or any new or worrying symptoms after receiving Immunohbs, and if you may have been further exposed to hepatitis B.
Use in Special Populations
Immunohbs is used across age groups, including newborns of carrier mothers, where it is a cornerstone of preventing mother-to-child transmission. It may be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding when clearly needed, as immunoglobulins have long clinical experience of safe use. In elderly patients and those with cardiovascular or kidney disease, the prescriber should assess individual risks before administration. Dosing in children is weight-based.
Who Should Avoid Immunohbs?
Immunohbs should be avoided by anyone with known hypersensitivity to human immunoglobulins, and used with special caution in patients with IgA deficiency who have anti-IgA antibodies. The intramuscular route must be avoided in people with severe thrombocytopenia or bleeding disorders, where an alternative approach is needed. It is not a treatment for established chronic hepatitis B infection — it is used for prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Immunohbs used for? Immunohbs (hepatitis B immunoglobulin) prevents hepatitis B infection — after liver transplantation, after accidental exposure, in newborns of carrier mothers, and in vaccine non-responders.
How is it different from the hepatitis B vaccine? The vaccine builds long-lasting active immunity over weeks, while Immunohbs gives immediate but temporary passive protection with ready-made antibodies.
How soon should it be given after exposure? As soon as possible after exposure, following urgent assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Can it be given with the hepatitis B vaccine? Yes, the vaccine and immunoglobulin can be given at the same time but at separate injection sites.
How long does protection last? Passive protection is temporary, generally lasting a few weeks to a few months, so vaccination is used for lasting immunity.
Medical Review & Author Note
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Abdallah Fouad, Clinical Nutrition Specialist with over 25 years of experience. The content is provided for educational purposes to help patients and caregivers understand how Immunohbs (hepatitis B immunoglobulin) is used, its benefits, and its risks. It does not replace the personalized advice of your treating physician or pharmacist.
Medical Disclaimer
Immunohbs is a prescription-only plasma-derived medicine that must be prescribed and administered under the supervision of a qualified physician. This content is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, changing, or stopping any medication.
Immunohbs 1000 IU/3 mL Product Images
Immunohbs 1000 IU/3 mL is a prescription human hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) supplied as a 3 mL pre-filled syringe for intramuscular administration under medical supervision.
Important Information About Immunohbs 1000 IU/3 mL
Immunohbs supplies ready-made anti-HBs antibodies, providing immediate but temporary passive protection. It does not replace hepatitis B vaccination when long-term active immunity is required. The product must be prescribed and administered by a qualified healthcare professional and kept refrigerated at 2–8°C without freezing.
See the Kedrion Biopharma therapy information for manufacturer information, or browse our specialized medicines catalogue.
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