What is Rabies immune globulin?
Rabies Immune Globulin is used as protection for people who have been exposed to animals after being bitten. The rabies immunoglobulin must be given in conjunction with the full series of vaccinations against rabies. The Rabies Immune Globulin will not provide protection against rabies.If you've had a rabies vaccination in the past, you won't need rabies immunoglobulin.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for rabies immune globulin.
Side effects of Rabies immune globulin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Rabies immune globulin may cause serious side effects. You should call your doctor immediately if you:
- fever; chills
- Dark urine
Side effects of rabies immunoglobulin include:
- Headache;
- Cold symptoms like a stuffy nose and sneezing, sore neck
- Stomach pain, gas, diarrhea;
- Muscle pain;
- Pain, swelling, itching, or a hard lump at the site of the injection.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Contact the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report adverse side effects.
Warnings
Rabies immunoglobulin should be given in conjunction with the full series of rabies vaccines. The rabies immunoglobulin will not provide protection against rabies on its own.
Before you take this drug
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- An allergic reaction to human immunoglobulin;
- An immunoglobulin a (iga) deficiency;
- Heart problems
- Coronary artery disease
- A blood clot or stroke
- A blood cell or blood-clotting disorder;
- High triglycerides
- An "in-dwelling" catheter;
- If you've been bedridden,
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:The rabies immune globulin may be made from plasma donated by humans and contain viruses or infectious agents. Plasma is treated and tested to reduce the chance of contamination. However, there is a very small risk that it may transmit disease. You should ask your doctor if there are any risks.
How to take Rabies immune globulin?
The rabies immunoglobulin will be injected directly into the muscle or into the area around the animal bite or scratch that exposes you to the rabies virus. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider.The first dose of the rabies series vaccine is administered within seven days of receiving it.If you do not receive the full recommended dosage of the rabies vaccination, your protection may be compromised.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for rabies prophylaxis:
As soon as possible, after exposure, give 20 international units/kg IM at the same dose as the rabies vaccine.
Comments:
If possible, infiltrate and inject the entire dose into the wounds. Inject any remaining volume of IM away from the vaccination site.
Do not use it if you have been immunized against rabies.
Give the first dose of the rabies vaccination as soon as you can after exposure.
If treatment is delayed, still administer it.
If not started at the same time as vaccination, it can be given until and including the 7th day of the post-exposure series.
The rabies immunoglobulin is an immediate passive immunization.
Do not exceed the recommended dosage; this may inhibit active antibody production.
Consult your local or state health officials if you have any questions regarding the need for treatment.
The usual pediatric dose for rabies prophylaxis
As soon as possible, after exposure, give 20 international units/kg IM at the same dose as the rabies vaccine.
Comments:
If possible, infiltrate and inject the entire dose into the area surrounding the wounds. Inject any remaining volume of IM in a location away from the vaccination site.
Do not use it if you have been immunized against rabies.
Give the first dose of rabies vaccination as soon as you can after exposure.
If treatment is delayed, still administer it.
If not started at the same time as vaccination, it can be given until and including day 7.
The rabies immunoglobulin is an immediate passive immunization.
Do not exceed the recommended dosage; this may inhibit active antibody production.
Consult your local or state health officials if you have any questions regarding the need for treatment.
What happens if I miss the dose?
The rabies immune globulin does not require a daily dose schedule and is only used in a single dosage.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because rabies immunoglobulin is administered by a health care professional in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
You should not receive any "live" vaccinations while you are using rabies immunoglobulin and for 3 months afterwards. It may not protect you as well or work as effectively. Live vaccines are measles (MMR), rubella, poliovirus, rotavirus (typhoid), yellow fever (typhoid), varicella (the chickenpox), zoster (shingles), rotavirus (typhoid), adenovirus (typhoid), adenovirus (You should wait at least four months after receiving the rabies immunoglobulin to get a measles vaccination.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking, including birth-control pills and hormone replacement therapy.Other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, may also affect the rabies immunoglobulin. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you have started or stopped using.
