Rabies Immune Globulin, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: immune globulin

Generic and brand names: rabies immune globulin; Imogam Rabies; BayRab

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection (shots) to provide protection against rabies infection. The shot is given after you have been exposed (for example, by a bite, scratch, or lick) to an animal that is suspected to have rabies. Rabies immune globulin is given at the same time as the rabies vaccine. It is not used if you have previously received the rabies vaccine.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before receiving this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine or preservatives
• a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners
• treatment for rabies before.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while receiving this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

These shots are given by your healthcare provider.

What should I watch out for?

You may have soreness, irritation, or pain on the skin where the injection is given. If this continues for more than a couple of days or becomes severe, call your healthcare provider.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you are unable to contact your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives, itching, rash, tightness in your chest, swelling of your lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing).

Other: Fever, muscle tenderness or stiffness where you get the injection.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a record of all vaccines received and when you received them. Live vaccines such as measles, mumps, polio, or rubella should not be given within 3 months after you receive the rabies immune globulin.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.