Type of medicine: immune globulin
Generic and brand names: rabies immune globulin; Imogam Rabies-HT; HyperRAB S/D
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.
Before receiving this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
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.
These shots are given by your healthcare provider.
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.
This medicine is made from human tissue. It is tested for viruses such as hepatitis and HIV. The risk of getting an infection from this medicine is very low, but it is still possible. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
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.
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.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. 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.
