Brand Names: RabAvert

Generic Name: rabies vaccine, purified chick embryo cell (Pronunciation: RAY beez vax EEN, PYUR if eyed CHIK EM bree o sel)

• What is rabies vaccine (Rabavert)?
• What are the possible side effects of rabies vaccine (Rabavert)?
• What is the most important information I should know about rabies vaccine (Rabavert)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving rabies vaccine (Rabavert)?
• How is rabies vaccine given (Rabavert)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Rabavert)?
• What happens if I overdose (Rabavert)?
• What should I avoid before or after getting rabies vaccine (Rabavert)?
• What other drugs will affect rabies vaccine (Rabavert)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is rabies vaccine (Rabavert)?

Rabies is a serious disease caused by a virus. Rabies is mainly a disease of animals. Humans get rabies when they are bitten by an infected animal. There may be no symptoms at first, but weeks or even years after a bite from an infected animal, rabies can cause pain, fatigue, headaches, irritability, fever, seizures, hallucinations, and paralysis. Rabies can be fatal.

You are more likely to be exposed to the rabies virus if you are a veterinarian, animal handler, rabies laboratory worker, or may otherwise come into contact with animals that could possibly carry the virus (including cats, dogs, foxes, skunks, raccoons, bobcats, coyotes, and bats). Travel to certain countries may also increase your risk of exposure to rabies.

Rabies purified chick embryo cell vaccine is used to prevent rabies in people who have been bitten by an animal or otherwise exposed to the rabies virus.

What are the possible side effects of rabies vaccine (Rabavert)?

Keep track of any and all side effects you have after receiving this vaccine. When you receive another vaccine in the future, you will need to tell the doctor if the first shot caused any side effects. Getting rabies disease is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects. The risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fever, chills, weakness, body aches, flu symptoms;
• severe headache, problems with your vision;
• numbness or tingly feeling;
• swollen lymph glands; or
• skin rash.

Less serious side effects may include:

• pain, swelling, itching, or redness where the shot was given;
• headache;
• increased heart rate;
• hot flashes;
• muscle pain; or
• nausea, stomach pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

Read the Rabavert (rabies vaccine) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about rabies vaccine (Rabavert)?

Keep track of any and all side effects you have after receiving this vaccine. When you receive another vaccine in the future, you will need to tell the doctor if the first shot caused any side effects. Getting rabies disease is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects. The risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

You can still receive a rabies vaccine if you have a cold or other minor illness. If you have a more severe illness with a fever, wait until you recover before receiving this vaccine. However, if you have been bitten by an infected animal or otherwise exposed to the rabies virus, you should receive the rabies vaccine regardless of having another illness.