Rabies Vaccine suspension for injection

What is this medication?

RABIES VACCINE (ray BEES vax EEN) is used to prevent rabies infection. Rabies is mostly a disease of animals. Humans may get rabies if they are bitten by animals that have rabies. The vaccine may be given to protect someone with a high risk of rabies or it may be given to someone after they have been exposed.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Imovax, RabAvert

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•bleeding disorder

•cancer

•HIV or AIDS

•immune system problems

•low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts

•recent or ongoing radiation therapy

•take medicines that treat or prevent blood clots

•an unusual or allergic reaction to vaccines, albumin, eggs, neomycin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This vaccine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional.

A copy of Vaccine Information Statements will be given before each vaccination. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children and infants, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses as directed. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment. All of the vaccine doses must be given in order to provide proper protection.

What may interact with this medication?

•antimalarial drugs

•etanercept

•immune globulins

•infliximab

•medicines for organ transplant

•medicines to treat cancer

•other vaccines

•some medicines for arthritis

•steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

This vaccine, like all vaccines, may not fully protect everyone.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•changes in vision

•joint pain with fever

•pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

•stiff neck and sensitivity to light

•unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•dizziness

•headache

•muscle aches and pains

•pain, redness, itching or swelling at site where injected

•stomach pain

•tiredness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.