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Hepatitis Immunoglobulin (HBIG)

Topic Overview

Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) is a solution of antibodies that are able to attach to liver cells and prevent the hepatitis B virus from infecting the cells.

An injection of HBIG may help prevent HBV infection if it is given within 14 days of exposure to the virus when you:

  • Have not been immunized against HBV but have come in contact with the blood or body fluids (semen or vaginal fluids, including menstrual blood) of someone who has hepatitis B.
  • Are being immunized against HBV but have not yet received all three shots in the vaccination series and are exposed to the virus. In most cases, HBIG will prevent infection until the vaccine takes effect.

HBIG is safe for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.

HBIG is prepared from blood products obtained from human donors. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, has never been transmitted by HBIG.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Steven L. Flamm, MD, MD - Gastroenterology
Last Revised November 11, 2010

Last Revised: November 11, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Steven L. Flamm, MD, MD - Gastroenterology

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