Rabies immune globulin (human)

Rabies immune globulin is used to protect people who have been bitten by animals (post-exposure). Rabies immune globulin is given together with a complete series of rabies vaccinations. Rabies immune globulin alone will not protect against rabies.

You do not need rabies immune globulin if you have received a rabies vaccine in the past.

Rabies immune globulin may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Rabies immune globulin 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.

Rabies immune globulin is given when you receive the first dose of your rabies vaccine series, or within 7 days afterward.

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

Rabies immune globulin is given with a complete series of rabies vaccinations. Rabies immune globulin alone will not protect you from 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.

Rabies immune globulin 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.

Rabies immune globulin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• fever, chills; or
• dark urine.

Common side effects of rabies immune globulin 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.

Usual Adult Dose for Rabies Prophylaxis:

20 international units/kg, IM, once, as soon as possible after exposure, at the same time as the first dose of rabies vaccineComments:-If anatomically feasible, thoroughly infiltrate the full dose in the area around and into the wounds, inject any remaining volume IM at a site distant from the vaccine administration site.-Do not use in persons previously immunized with rabies vaccine regimen.-Give as soon as possible after exposure, along with first dose of rabies vaccine.-If treatment is delayed, still administer.-If not given at same time vaccine was started, may be given up to and including day 7 of post-exposure prophylaxis series.-Vaccination takes about 1 week for immunity; rabies immune globulin provides immediate passive immunization.-Do not give more than the recommended dose - may suppress active antibody production.-Consult local or state public health officials for questions about the need for treatment.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Rabies Prophylaxis:

20 international units/kg, IM, once, as soon as possible after exposure, at the same time as the first dose of rabies vaccineComments:-If anatomically feasible, thoroughly infiltrate the full dose in the area around and into the wounds, inject any remaining volume IM at a site distant from the vaccine administration site.-Do not use in persons previously immunized with rabies vaccine regimen.-Give as soon as possible after exposure, along with first dose of rabies vaccine.-If treatment is delayed, still administer.-If not given at same time vaccine was started, may be given up to and including day 7 of post-exposure prophylaxis series.-Vaccination takes about 1 week for immunity; rabies immune globulin provides immediate passive immunization.-Do not give more than the recommended dose - may suppress active antibody production.-Consult local or state public health officials for questions about the need for treatment.

Rabies immune globulin is given as a single dose and does not require daily doses.

Since rabies immune globulin is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to happen.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using rabies immune globulin, and for at least 3 months afterward. The vaccine may not work as well 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 rabies immune globulin before you get a measles vaccine.

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

Other drugs may affect rabies immune globulin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you begin or stop using.