Rabies Immune Globulin (RAY-beez i-MUNE GLOB-ue-lin)

Prevents infection caused by the rabies virus after you have been bitten by an animal. Usually given with the rabies vaccine.

Brand Name(s):

Imogam Rabies-HT, Kedrab

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• All bite wounds and scratches should be cleaned well right away with soap and water. Other medicines (including povidone-iodine solution, anti-tetanus vaccine, or medicine to treat infection) should be given as directed by your doctor.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• You should not receive measles vaccine within 4 months after you receive rabies immune globulin.
• You should not receive other live virus vaccines within 3 months after you receive this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have bleeding problems, high cholesterol, thrombocytopenia (low platelets), immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency, or have had an allergic reaction to any other vaccine. Tell your doctor if you have a history of blood clotting problems or heart disease, or if you are having a surgery that requires inactivity for a long time.
• This medicine may increase your risk for blood problems, including blood clots and hemolysis.
• This medicine is made from donated human blood. All donated blood is tested for certain viruses. Although your risk for getting a virus from the medicine is very low, talk with your doctor if you have concerns.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain or tightness, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
• Cloudy, foamy, or bloody urine
• Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Pain in your lower leg (calf)

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness
• Mild fever
• Pain, redness, swelling, or a hard lump where the shot was given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088