Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin
About Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin
Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin is a specialised injection used to provide immediate protection against rabies after a person has been bitten, scratched, or exposed to a potentially rabid animal. It belongs to a class of medicines that deliver ready-made antibodies to neutralise the rabies virus before it can infect the nervous system.
Because this is an emergency post-exposure treatment, it is given as a single dose as soon as possible after exposure, alongside a rabies vaccine. It can be injected regardless of when you last ate, as food does not affect how it works. Following a strict wound-care routine and staying hydrated can help support your body's immune response during this time.
Most people tolerate this injection well, but you may experience mild pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as a low-grade fever. If you experience severe symptoms like high fever, extreme dizziness, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor immediately.
Before receiving Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of allergic reactions to immunoglobulin therapies or have been diagnosed with an immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency. Do not receive this injection if you have a known severe allergy to any of its components, unless your doctor determines the life-saving benefit outweighs the risk.
This injection can interfere with the effectiveness of live vaccines like measles or mumps if given too close together, so consult your doctor about your vaccine history. It is also important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing health conditions in elderly individuals, though rabies prevention is almost always prioritised in an emergency.
Uses of Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin
Medicinal Benefits
Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin provides immediate passive protection against rabies after a suspected exposure. By supplying ready-made antibodies at the site of the bite or wound, it helps protect you during the critical period before the rabies vaccine begins to produce your own immune response.
- Immediate protective shield: Unlike vaccines, which take weeks to help your body produce its own protection, Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin provides immediate, ready-made antibodies to fight the virus right where the exposure occurred.
- Critical protection gap: It bridges the dangerous immunity gap during the first few days after an animal bite, keeping you safe while the rabies vaccine series begins to trigger your body's long-term immune defence.
- Targeted local defence: By being injected directly around the wound, it acts as a direct shield, stopping the virus from entering the nervous system and ensuring peace of mind during a stressful emergency.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin will be administered by a nurse or doctor.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Pain, soreness, or redness around the injection site
- Mild fever or feeling generally unwell
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Headache
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- High fever or shivering
- Rapid heart rate
Drug Warnings
- Ensure that the healthcare provider inspects the vial for any particles or discolouration before injecting; the solution should be clear to slightly yellowish.
- Double-check that Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin is not injected into the same anatomical site or with the same syringe as the rabies vaccine, as this can stop the vaccine from working properly.
- Always inform the medical team if you have had a tetanus shot recently, as animal bites often require a tetanus booster alongside rabies post-exposure treatment.
- Avoid receiving any live virus vaccines (such as measles, mumps, or rubella) for at least three months after receiving Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin, as the antibodies may temporarily reduce the effectiveness of those vaccines.
Drug Interactions
- Live vaccines (like measles, mumps, rubella, or varicella): Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin may decrease the effectiveness of these vaccines when given within 3 months after the injection.
- Rabies vaccine: If Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin is mixed in the same syringe or injected into the same site as the rabies vaccine, it can neutralise the vaccine and prevent it from working.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol consumption may interfere with the action of Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedAnti Rabies Immunoglobulin is safe to be used in pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
safe if prescribedAnti Rabies Immunoglobulin is safe to be used in breastfeeding.
Driving
safe if prescribedAnti Rabies Immunoglobulin may not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
safe if prescribedAnti Rabies Immunoglobulin can be safely used in patients with liver diseases if prescribed.
Kidney
safe if prescribedAnti Rabies Immunoglobulin can be safely used in patients with kidney diseases if prescribed.
Children
cautionAnti Rabies Immunoglobulin can be given to children below 12 years if clinically needed.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Clean all animal bites or scratches immediately with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes before seeking medical help to physically wash away viral particles.
- Avoid consuming alcohol for several days after receiving the injection and vaccine, as alcohol can sometimes worsen mild side effects like headaches or dizziness.
- Stay well-hydrated and get plenty of rest to help your immune system respond effectively to the emergency treatment and the accompanying rabies vaccine series.
- Keep the wound clean and dry as instructed by your healthcare team to prevent secondary bacterial infections.
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).
- Anti 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. Vaccination can help prevent it. It is transmitted from rabies-infected animals to humans by bites or scratches, most commonly through saliva. This illness affects the brain and can be fatal in some cases. The earliest symptoms include flu-like, general weakness, fever, or headache. If left untreated, the condition can lead to anxiety, confusion, brain dysfunction, hallucinations, and abnormal behaviour.
FAQs
Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin is used to prevent rabies.
Anti 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.
Anti 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, Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin is not required if you have previously taken rabies vaccination.
A repeat dose of Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin may be given if required. However, your doctor determines if you need a repeat dose.
The common side effects of Anti 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.
Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin provides a rapid immune response towards the rabies virus as soon as it is injected, and its action may last for approximately 21 days.
If you have been fully vaccinated against rabies previously, you typically do not need Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin after a new exposure. You will usually only need booster doses of the rabies vaccine. Talk to your doctor to confirm your specific immunisation history and needs.
Yes, Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin is considered safe and essential if you have been exposed to rabies while pregnant. Because rabies is a fatal disease, the life-saving benefits of the injection far outweigh any potential risk. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
You should receive Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin as soon as possible after a suspected rabies exposure, ideally within 24 hours. However, it can still be given up to 7 days after the first dose of the rabies vaccine is given. Talk to your doctor immediately after any animal bite.
No, Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin cannot cause rabies. It is made from purified antibodies and does not contain any live or active rabies virus. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how it is prepared.
The injection is given directly into and around the wound area to neutralise the virus locally. Any remaining volume is injected into a muscle away from the rabies vaccine site. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about the injection procedure.
Yes, Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin is safe for children and is given using the same weight-based dosage guidelines as adults. Rabies prevention is vital for children who may be exposed to animals. Talk to your doctor for paediatric-specific guidance.
Yes, Anti Rabies Immunoglobulin only provides immediate, short-term protection. You must complete the full series of the rabies vaccine to build long-term immunity against the virus. Talk to your doctor about your complete vaccination schedule.
