Rabies Vaccine Injection

What is this medication?

RABIES VACCINE (ray BEES vak SEEN) reduces the risk of rabies. It does not treat rabies. It is still possible to get rabies after receiving this vaccine, but the symptoms may be less severe or not last as long. It works by helping your immune system learn how to fight off a future infection.

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, such as low white cells, platelets, or red cell counts
• Recent or ongoing radiation therapy
• Take medications that prevent or treat blood clots
• An unusual or allergic reaction to vaccines, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This vaccine is injected into a muscle. It is given by your care team.

A copy of Vaccine Information Statements will be given before each vaccination. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. This sheet may change often.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it 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. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team 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 medications
• Certain medications for arthritis
• Etanercept
• Immune globulins
• Infliximab
• Medications for organ transplant
• Medications to treat cancer
• Other vaccines
• Steroid medications, such as 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?

Visit your care team regularly.

Report any side effects to your care team right away.

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 care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
• Feeling faint or lightheaded

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

• Dizziness
• Fever
• General discomfort and fatigue
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin, chest, or underarm area

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 vaccine is only given by your care team. It 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.