HyperRAB (human)

HyperRAB is used to protect people who have been bitten by animals (post-exposure). HyperRAB is given along with a complete series of rabies vaccinations. This medicine alone will not protect against rabies.

You will not need HyperRAB if you have had a rabies vaccine before.

HyperRAB may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

HyperRAB is given along with a complete series of rabies vaccinations. HyperRAB alone will not protect against rabies.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to a human immune globulin product;
• an immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency;
• heart problems;
• coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);
• a stroke or blood clot;
• a blood cell or blood-clotting disorder;
• high triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);
• an "in-dwelling" catheter; or
• if you have been bed-ridden.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

HyperRAB is made from donated human plasma and may contain viruses or other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of contamination, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Ask your doctor about any possible risk.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

HyperRAB may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• fever, chills; or
• dark urine.

Common side effects of HyperRAB may include:

• headache;
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;
• stomach pain, gas, diarrhea;
• muscle pain; or
• pain, swelling, itching, redness, or a hard lump where the shot was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

HyperRAB is injected into a muscle, or directly into or near the wound (animal bite or scratch) that exposed you to the rabies virus. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

HyperRAB is given when you receive the first of your series of rabies vaccine doses, or within 7 days afterward.

Be sure to receive all recommended doses of rabies vaccine or you may not be fully protected against disease.

HyperRAB is given as a single dose and does not have a daily dosing schedule.

Since HyperRAB is administered by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to happen.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using HyperRAB, and for at least 3 months afterward. The vaccine may not be as effective and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, and varicella (chickenpox).

Wait at least 4 months after receiving HyperRAB before you get a measles vaccine.

Tell your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking, especially birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.

Other drugs may change how HyperRAB works, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all your current medicines and any new medicine you begin or stop using.