Vaccines and the Infectious Diseases They Prevent

Image representing the teeth of a bat with IMOVAX RABIES and IMOGRAM RABIES-HT writen below

Safety Information

The most common adverse reactions associated with IMOVAX Rabies vaccine are usually mild and may include pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site; headache, nausea, and abdominal pain are also possible^1,2

A very small number of people (about 6%) who receive a booster dose of IMOVAX Rabies vaccine may experience an immune complex-like (allergic) reaction characterized by the onset of hives, joint pain, and fever 2 to 21 days following the booster dose; in no cases have these reactions been life threatening^1,2

For post-exposure treatment, there are no known specific contraindications; for pre-exposure immunization, the only known contraindication is the development of febrile illness or sensitivity to any known component of the vaccine^1,2

Once rabies post-exposure treatment has been started, it should not be stopped or interrupted because of local or mild systemic adverse reactions to the rabies vaccine; these reactions can be successfully managed with aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen^1,2

When a person with a history of serious hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) to rabies vaccine must be revaccinated, antihistamines can be given and epinephrine should be readily available to counteract severe allergic reactions^1,2

When administering an intramuscular injection, like IMOVAX Rabies vaccine, in people with bleeding disorders, caution should be exercised because they may develop a serious bruise or collection of blood at the injection site

Although serious adverse reactions to IMOVAX Rabies vaccine are very rare, they should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) via the 24-hour toll-free telephone number (800-822-7967) or on-line at: https://secure.vaers.org/VaersDataEntryintro.htm

For more information about IMOVAX Rabies vaccine and IMOGAM Rabies–HT Immune Globulin, please talk to your health-care professional.

View full Prescribing Information for IMOVAX Rabies vaccine.

References: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Human rabies prevention—United States, 1999: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR. 1999;48:1-21. 2. IMOVAX Rabies Vaccine Prescribing Information, December 2005.

IMOVAX® Rabies

Indication

IMOVAX Rabies vaccine is indicated for active, pre- and post-exposure immunization against rabies.

Safety Information
The most common local and systemic adverse reactions to IMOVAX Rabies vaccine may include injection site pain, erythema, and swelling; headache, nausea, and muscle aches. Other adverse reactions may occur. Once initiated for post-exposure treatment rabies vaccination should not be interrupted or discontinued because of mild local or systemic adverse reactions. Usually such reactions can be successfully managed with anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agents. Vaccination with IMOVAX Rabies vaccine may not protect all individuals.

Before administering IMOVAX Rabies vaccine, please see accompanying full Prescribing Information.

IMOGAM® Rabies–HT

Indication
IMOGAM Rabies-HT immune globulin is given for passive immunization of individuals suspected of exposure to rabies.

Safety Information
Side effects to the IMOGAM Rabies-HT immune globulin include injection site tenderness, pain, and muscle soreness or stiffness. Other side effects may occur. IMOGAM Rabies-HT immune globulin should not be given in repeated doses once vaccine treatment has begun. IMOGAM Rabies-HT immune globulin is made from components of human blood and, therefore, this vaccine may carry a risk of transmitting infectious material, although careful selection of donors and extensive testing are intended to minimize this risk. Treatment with a rabies immune globulin may not protect all individuals.

For more information about IMOGAM Rabies-HT immune globulin, talk to your health-care professional.

Last modified: 5/2/08