Uses

This medication is used to prevent a certain serious virus infection, rabies, in people who have been exposed to this virus under certain conditions (such as a bite wound or non-bite wound by an infected animal). This medication is made from healthy human blood that has high levels of certain defensive substances (antibodies) that help fight rabies infection.

How To Use

Part of the dose of this medication is given by direct injection by a health care professional into the area of the wound (bite or non-bite). The remainder of your dose is given by injection into a muscle by a health care professional. It is best to receive this medication as soon as possible after exposure. If you wait too long after being exposed, the medication may not work well. Your doctor may also recommend vaccination after receiving this medication. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment for you.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and weight.

Side Effects

Redness, pain, or tenderness at the injection site may occur. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, tiredness, headache, or back/joint pain may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before receiving rabies immune globulin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other immune globulin products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• a certain immune system problem (immunoglobulin A deficiency)
• vaccination/immunization history

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

This medication is made from human blood. Even though the blood is carefully tested, and this medication goes through a special manufacturing process, there is an extremely small chance that you may get infections (such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease-CJD) from the medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor of any recent or planned immunizations/vaccinations. This medication may prevent a good response to certain live viral vaccines (such as measles, mumps, rubella, varicella). If you have recently received any of these vaccines, your doctor may have you tested for a response or have you vaccinated again later. If you plan on getting any of these vaccines, your doctor will instruct you about the best time to receive them so you get a good response.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as Coomb's test), possibly causing false test results. Tell all lab personnel and all your doctors and pharmacists that you use this medication.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Lab and/or medical tests (such as levels of antibody in the blood) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

Not applicable.

Storage

Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or doctor's office and will not be stored at home.