DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Rabies Vaccine (RAY-beez)
Brand Name: RabAvert

RabAvert is used for:

Preventing rabies before and after exposure.

RabAvert is a vaccine. It works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the rabies virus.

Do NOT use RabAvert if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in RabAvert

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using RabAvert :

Some medical conditions may interact with RabAvert . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have an infection or are allergic to eggs

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with RabAvert . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Aminoquinolines (eg, chloroquine), antimalarials (eg, atovaquone), corticosteroids (eg, hydrocortisone), or radiation therapy because the effectiveness of RabAvert may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if RabAvert may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use RabAvert :

Use RabAvert as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• RabAvert is usually administered as injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using RabAvert at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
• It will take 7 to 10 days for RabAvert to work. When all doses have been received, RabAvert should protect against rabies for 2 or more years.
• If RabAvert contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
• If you miss a dose of RabAvert , contact your doctor right away.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use RabAvert .

Important safety information:

• RabAvert may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to RabAvert .
• You may need more than 1 injection for full protection.
• Make sure your doctor knows your current health status and if you have had an allergic reaction to a rabies vaccine in the past.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using RabAvert during pregnancy. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using RabAvert , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of RabAvert :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Chills; dizziness; general body discomfort; headache; itching; mild fever; stomach pain; tiredness; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty swallowing; hoarseness; joint or muscle pain; numbness or tingling; pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; paralysis.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of RabAvert :

RabAvert is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using RabAvert at home, store RabAvert as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider.

General information:

• If you have any questions about RabAvert , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• RabAvert is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about RabAvert . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.