What is hepatitis B immune globulin?

Immune globulin is prepared from donated human plasma and contains antibodies against hepatitis B. It works differently from vaccination: it offers immediate, temporary help, whereas a vaccine trains the immune system to make its own longer-lasting protection. A clinician decides whether it is appropriate by considering the type and timing of exposure, your vaccination history, and the source person’s test results.

It does not replace medical assessment or prove that infection has been prevented. Follow-up blood tests may be needed, and symptoms such as dark urine or fatigue should be reported.

Contact a healthcare service as soon as possible after blood contact, a needlestick, sexual exposure, or another event that could transmit hepatitis B. Bring your vaccination record if you have it. Do not self-arrange or delay treatment while waiting for symptoms. A clinician may discuss immune globulin together with hepatitis B vaccination, depending on your situation.

Seek prompt care after a significant exposure because preventive treatment is time-sensitive. Get urgent help for severe vomiting, confusion, marked yellowing, fainting, or rapidly worsening illness. A person exposed to hepatitis B may feel well, so absence of symptoms should not delay advice.

Ask whether immune globulin is suitable, when vaccination should be given, which follow-up tests are planned, and what precautions to use with household or sexual contacts.