Rabies Vaccine suspension for injection

What is this medicine?

RABIES VACCINE (ray BEES vax EEN) is used to prevent rabies infection. Rabies is mostly a disease of animals. Humans may get rabies if they are bitten by animals that have rabies. The vaccine may be given to protect someone with a high risk of rabies or it may be given to someone after they have been exposed.

How should I use this medicine?

This vaccine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional.

A copy of Vaccine Information Statements will be given before each vaccination. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children and infants, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• changes in vision

• joint pain with fever

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• stiff neck and sensitivity to light

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness

• headache

• muscle aches and pains

• pain, redness, itching or swelling at site where injected

• stomach pain

• tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

• antimalarial drugs

• etanercept

• immune globulins

• infliximab

• medicines for organ transplant

• medicines to treat cancer

• other vaccines

• some medicines for arthritis

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses as directed. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment. All of the vaccine doses must be given in order to provide proper protection.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorder

• cancer

• HIV or AIDS

• immune system problems

• low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts

• recent or ongoing radiation therapy

• take medicines that treat or prevent blood clots

• an unusual or allergic reaction to vaccines, albumin, eggs, neomycin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

This vaccine, like all vaccines, may not fully protect everyone.