Rabies Vaccine (RAY-beez VAX-een)

Prevents infection caused by rabies virus. The vaccine can be given before or after you are exposed to the rabies virus.

Brand Name(s):

Imovax Rabies, RabAvert

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles. For older children and adults, it is given as a shot into one of your muscles. For babies and children, it is given as a shot in the thigh.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how rabies vaccine works. Tell your doctor if you are using medicine that weakens your immune system including a steroid medicine or cancer treatment.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have an immune system problem.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Serum sickness type reactions
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome (nervous system problem)
  • Fainting
• This vaccine contains albumin, which comes from human blood. Some human blood products have transmitted certain viruses (including Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease) to people who have received them, although the risk is low. Human donors and donated blood are both tested for viruses to keep the transmission risk low. Talk with your doctor about this risk if you are concerned.
• This vaccine may not protect everyone who receives it. This vaccine will not treat symptoms of rabies virus if you already have the disease.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fainting
• Joint pain, muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness, headache
• Fever
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
• Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
• Tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088