Rabies vaccine is used to protect you against infection caused by rabies virus.
Rabies is a deadly virus that can cause brain inflammation. It is spread to people from the saliva of infected animals usually transmitted through a bite.
Rabies vaccine is to be given intramuscularly (into the muscle).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Rabies vaccine.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to rabies vaccine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- bleeding disorders e.g. haemophilia (a condition wherein you bruise or bleed easily)
- low immunity due to illness, certain medication or radiation therapy
Vaccination should be postponed to premature babies, or if you are ill, with fever or with an infection.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Rabies vaccine may cause any of the following side effects: fainting, headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, vomiting, muscle or joint pain, and injection site reactions e.g. redness, pain, swelling or itching.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience breathlessness, having rashes or swollen eyes. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, azathioprine, methotrexate, tacrolimus
- medicines for inflammation e.g. prednisone
- medicines to treat malaria e.g. chloroquine
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Rabies vaccine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Protect from light. Light may cause the medication to lose some of its effectiveness.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.