Rabies Vaccine

Generic name: Rabies Vaccine [ RAY-beez-vak-SEEN ]
Brand names: Imovax Rabies, RabAvert
Drug class: Viral vaccines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 13, 2024.

Uses of Rabies Vaccine:

It is used to prevent rabies.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Rabies Vaccine?

If you are allergic to rabies vaccine; any part of rabies vaccine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take rabies vaccine with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Rabies Vaccine?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take rabies vaccine. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
This medicine may not protect all people who use it. Talk with the doctor.
This medicine is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may have viruses that may cause disease. This medicine is screened, tested, and treated to lower the chance that it carries an infection. Talk with the doctor.
Very bad side effects have rarely happened with rabies vaccine. These include allergic reactions and brain or nervous system problems. Sometimes, brain problems have been deadly. Talk with the doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Rabies Vaccine) best taken?

Use rabies vaccine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

It is given as a shot into a muscle.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor to find out what to do.

RabAvert, Imovax Rabies, KedRAB

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of meningitis like headache with fever, stiff neck, upset stomach, confusion, or if lights bother the eyes.
Feeling very tired or weak.
Not able to move face muscles as much.
Muscle weakness.
Not able to move.
Change in eyesight.
Swollen gland.
Very bad dizziness or passing out.
A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
Trouble controlling body movements.

What are some other side effects of Rabies Vaccine?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
Flu-like signs. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating.
Upset stomach.
Muscle or joint pain.
Dizziness.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Rabies Vaccine?

If you need to store rabies vaccine at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about rabies vaccine, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.