Rabies Immunoglobulin
About Rabies Immunoglobulin
Rabies Immunoglobulin is a specialised injection used to provide immediate protection against rabies after a potential exposure, such as an animal bite or scratch. It supplies ready-made antibodies to help your body fight off the virus before your own immune system can produce them. This critical treatment is always used in combination with the rabies vaccine to ensure full protection.
Because this medicine is given as a protective measure after exposure, it is typically injected only once as a single dose at the start of your treatment plan. Since it is injected directly by a healthcare professional, you do not need to worry about taking it with food or on an empty stomach. Keeping your body well-rested and staying hydrated can support your immune system as it processes the injection and subsequent vaccines.
Some people may experience mild, temporary side effects after receiving Rabies Immunoglobulin, such as pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, or a mild fever. While these are common and usually fade quickly, you should contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat, or a widespread rash.
Before receiving this injection, it is important to tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of bleeding disorders, low blood platelet counts, or previous allergic reactions to blood products. Do not take this if you have a known, severe allergy to any components of this injection, though in life-threatening rabies exposure situations, your doctor will carefully weigh the risks and benefits.
This medicine can sometimes interfere with the effectiveness of live viral vaccines, so you must inform your doctor about your immunisation history. It is also wise to avoid alcohol and smoking after the injection to prevent putting extra stress on your immune system during your recovery. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or an older adult, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to discuss any specific precautions for your situation.
Uses of Rabies Immunoglobulin
Medicinal Benefits
Rabies Immunoglobulin provides immediate passive protection against rabies after potential exposure. When used together with the rabies vaccine, it helps prevent the virus from spreading while your body develops its own immune response. Its benefits include:
- Provides Immediate Protection: Supplies ready-made antibodies that help neutralise the rabies virus immediately after exposure.
- Supports Rabies Post-Exposure Treatment: Works alongside the rabies vaccine to provide protection until active immunity develops.
- Acts at the Site of Exposure: When infiltrated around the wound, it helps neutralise the virus where it may have entered the body.
- Reduces the Risk of Rabies Infection: Early administration as part of recommended post-exposure prophylaxis helps prevent rabies, a life-threatening disease.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Rabies Immunoglobulin will be administered by the doctor or healthcare professional.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Rabies Immunoglobulin
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Pain, soreness, redness, or swelling where the injection was given
- Mild fever
- Headache or muscle aches
- Nausea or slight dizziness
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away)
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, itching, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- A sudden high fever or severe, persistent headache
- Extreme dizziness, fainting, or chest tightness
- Severe, spreading redness or warmth around the injection site
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Ensure correct timing: For the best protection, Rabies Immunoglobulin must be administered as soon as possible after exposure, ideally at the same time as the first dose of the rabies vaccine.
- Do not mix injections: Never allow this medicine to be mixed in the same syringe or injected into the exact same anatomical site as the rabies vaccine, as this can stop the vaccine from working correctly.
- Inspect the solution: Before administration, the healthcare provider should visually inspect the solution. It should be clear or slightly yellow/light brown and free from floating particles; do not use if it is cloudy or contains clumps.
- Verify prior immunisation: If you have already completed a full, documented pre-exposure or post-exposure rabies vaccination series in the past, you generally do not need this injection. Inform your doctor of your vaccination history.
- Report bleeding risks: Since this is given as an injection, warn your provider if you have haemophilia or are taking blood thinners to minimise the risk of bleeding or severe bruising at the injection site.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines and vaccines may affect how Rabies Immunoglobulin works or reduce the effectiveness of treatment. Tell your doctor about all the medicines and vaccines you have recently received or plan to receive.
- Live viral vaccines (such as measles, mumps, rubella, or varicella): This medicine contains antibodies that may interfere with your body's response to live vaccines. You may need to delay receiving live vaccines for several months after this injection. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about appropriate timing.
- Immunosuppressants or corticosteroids: Medicines that weaken your immune system can reduce your body's ability to respond to the accompanying rabies vaccine. Your doctor will need to monitor your antibody levels closely.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol consumption may interact with the action of Rabies Immunoglobulin.
Pregnancy
cautionRabies Immunoglobulin can be given to pregnant women if clinically needed.
Breast Feeding
cautionRabies Immunoglobulin can be given to breastfeeding mothers if clinically needed.
Driving
safe if prescribedRabies Immunoglobulin may not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
safe if prescribedRabies Immunoglobulin can be safely used in patients with liver diseases if prescribed.
Kidney
safe if prescribedRabies Immunoglobulin can be safely used in patients with kidney diseases if prescribed.
Children
safe if prescribedRabies Immunoglobulin can be given to children below 12 years if clinically needed.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Practice proper wound care: Clean the bite or scratch site immediately with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. Keep the area clean and dressed as advised by your healthcare provider to prevent secondary bacterial infections.
- Support your immune system: Focus on eating nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, to help your body build a strong immune response to the accompanying rabies vaccines.
- Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days following your injection to help manage mild side effects like a low-grade fever or muscle aches.
- Prioritise rest: Allow your body plenty of rest after receiving the injections, as fatigue is a common reaction when your immune system is actively processing immunisations.
- Avoid immune suppressants: Unless prescribed by your doctor, avoid taking systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medications during your rabies treatment, as they can reduce the effectiveness of your therapy.
Special Advise
Seek medical attention if you have been in contact with any wildlife animal, especially if you have been bitten or scratched to rule out rabies or any other zoonotic diseases (diseases transmitted from animals to humans). Rabies Immunoglobulin may give misleading results if you have a blood test. Inform your doctor if this is the case and tell your doctor as the previous injection may interfere with the vaccine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Rabies: Rabies is a viral disease caused by the ‘rabies virus. It can be prevented by vaccination. It is spread from animals with rabies to humans through bites or scratches, usually via saliva. This condition affects the brain, which can be sometimes life-threatening. The initial symptoms are flu-like, general weakness, fever, or headache. The disease may progress to anxiety, confusion, brain dysfunction, hallucinations, and abnormal behavior if left untreated.
FAQs
Rabies Immunoglobulin contains antibodies that act against rabies. This medicine is given to bitten, scratched or had any injury from the suspected animal with rabies.
Rabies Immunoglobulin contains antibodies that act against the rabies virus. It identifies and neutralizes the virus and prevents rabies disease in people exposed to the rabies virus.
The common side-effects of Rabies Immunoglobulin are temporary discomfort or hardened area at the injection site, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, swelling of the face, mouth ulcers, chills, coating of the tongue and joint pains. Inform your doctor if any of these side-effects persist or worsen.
Rabies Immunoglobulin contains immunoglobulins or antibodies that act against the rabies virus. It is given immediately after exposure to the rabies virus (bites, scratches, contamination with saliva on broken skin, and exposure to bats) along with the rabies vaccine or within 7 days after taking the vaccine. However, Rabies Immunoglobulin is not required if you have previously taken rabies vaccination.
A repeat dose of Rabies Immunoglobulin may be given if required. However, your doctor determines if you need a repeat dose.
Rabies Immunoglobulin provides rapid immune response towards the rabies virus as soon as it is injected and its action may last for approximately 21 days.
This medicine is given as an injection by a healthcare professional. A portion of the dose is injected directly into and around the wound, and any remaining amount is injected into a muscle at a separate body site. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about the injection process.
If you have previously completed a full, documented rabies vaccination series, you generally do not need Rabies Immunoglobulin. You will only require booster doses of the rabies vaccine. Talk to your doctor to review your medical and vaccination history.
Yes, because rabies is a fatal disease, Rabies Immunoglobulin is given to pregnant women if they have been exposed to a rabid animal. There is no known risk to the developing baby when used for post-exposure protection. Talk to your doctor to discuss your treatment plan.
No, Rabies Immunoglobulin does not replace the rabies vaccine. It is used alongside the vaccine to provide immediate, short-term protection while your body takes time to build its own long-lasting immunity from the vaccine. Talk to your doctor to ensure you complete the full vaccination schedule.
It is highly recommended to avoid alcohol after receiving this injection. Alcohol can dehydrate your body, put extra stress on your immune system, and make it harder to recognise potential side effects of the treatment. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalised lifestyle advice during your recovery.
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