Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
lyophilized powder for reconstitution
- 2.5 International Units/1mL
Pre-exposure
Primary
- 1 mL IM (deltoid region) 3x, one injection on each of days 0, 7, and 21 or 28
Booster
- 1 mL IM (deltoid region) to maintain a serum titer > 1 : 5 serum dilution by the RFFIT
- Test serum for rabies antibodies q6month
Postexposure
1 mL IM (deltoid region) x4
One injection on each of days 0, 3, 7, and 14 in conjunction with the administration of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) on day 0
HRIG: 20 IU/kg; if anatomically feasible, the full dose should be infiltrated around and into the wound(s), and any remaining volume should be administered IM at an anatomical site distant from vaccine administration
Immunosuppressed patients: Administer 1 mL IM x5 doses on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28 with HRIG
Postexposure (Previously Immunized)
1 mL IM (deltoid region) x2, one injection on each of days 0 and 3
Administration
Using the longer of the 2 needles supplied, transfer the entire contents of the diluent vial into the vaccine vial
Mix gently to avoid foaming
The white, freeze-dried vaccine dissolves to give a clear or slightly opaque suspension
Withdraw the total amount of dissolved vaccine into the syringe and replace the long needle with the smaller needle for IM injection
Additional Information
Up-to-date vaccination schedules available at www.cdc.gov/nip/publications
Other Indications & Uses
Pre-exposure immunization (high-risk patients)
Postexposure protection against rabies
Dosage Forms & Strengths
lyophilized powder for reconstitution
- 2.5 International Units/1mL
Pre-exposure
Primary
- 1 mL IM (deltoid region, in small children and infants anterolateral region of thigh) 3x, one injection on each of days 0, 7, and 21 or 28
Booster
- 1 mL IM (deltoid region, in small children and infants anterolateral region of thigh) to maintain a serum titer > 1 : 5 serum dilution by the RFFIT
- Test serum for rabies antibodies q6month
Post-exposure
1 mL IM (deltoid region, in small children and infants anterolateral region of thigh) x4
One injection on each of days 0, 3, 7, and 14 in conjunction with the administration of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) on day 0
HRIG: 20 IU/kg; if anatomically feasible, the full dose should be infiltrated around and into the wound(s), and any remaining volume should be administered IM at an anatomical site distant from vaccine administration
Immunosuppressed patients: Administer 1 mL IM x5 doses on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28 with HRIG
Post-exposure (Previously Immunized)
1 mL IM (deltoid region, in small children and infants anterolateral region of thigh) 2x, one injection on each of days 0 & 3
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results

Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor

Contraindicated (1)
- belimumab
belimumab decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Contraindicated. Do not administer live vaccines 30 days before or concurrently with belimumab.
Serious - Use Alternative (38)
- adalimumab
adalimumab decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- alefacept
alefacept decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- anakinra
anakinra decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- antithymocyte globulin equine
antithymocyte globulin equine decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- antithymocyte globulin rabbit
antithymocyte globulin rabbit decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- azathioprine
azathioprine decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- basiliximab
basiliximab decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- budesonide
budesonide decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- canakinumab
canakinumab decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- cortisone
cortisone decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- deflazacort
deflazacort decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- dexamethasone
dexamethasone decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- elivaldogene autotemcel
elivaldogene autotemcel, rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived. Either decreases effects of the other by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: The safety and effectiveness of vaccination during or following elivaldogene autotemcel treatment have not been studied. Vaccination is not recommended during the 6 weeks preceding myeloablative conditioning, and until hematological recovery following elivaldogene autotemcel treatment. Where feasible, administer childhood vaccinations before myeloablative conditioning. .
- etanercept
etanercept decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- everolimus
everolimus decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- fludrocortisone
fludrocortisone decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- glatiramer
glatiramer decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- golimumab
golimumab decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- hydrocortisone
hydrocortisone decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- hydroxychloroquine sulfate
hydroxychloroquine sulfate decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- infliximab
infliximab decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- leflunomide
leflunomide decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- methylprednisolone
methylprednisolone decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- muromonab CD3
muromonab CD3 decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- mycophenolate
mycophenolate decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- ocrelizumab
ocrelizumab decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Vaccination with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during ocrelizumab treatment and until B-cell repletion.
- ofatumumab SC
ofatumumab SC decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Administer all immunizations according to immunization guidelines at least 2 weeks before initiating ofatumumab SC for inactivated vaccines, and whenever possible.
- prednisolone
prednisolone decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- prednisone
prednisone decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- rilonacept
rilonacept decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- secukinumab
secukinumab decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Prior to initiating secukinumab, complete all age appropriate immunizations; non-live vaccinations received during treatment with secukinumab may not elicit an immune response sufficient to prevent disease.
- siponimod
siponimod decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Pause vaccinations beginning 1 week before initiating siponimod and for 4 weeks after stopping treatment. Coadministration with live attenuated vaccines may increase infection risk.
- sirolimus
sirolimus decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- tacrolimus
tacrolimus decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- temsirolimus
temsirolimus decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- teplizumab
teplizumab decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Administer all age-appropriate vaccinations before starting teplizumab. Inactivated or mRNA vaccines are not recommended within 2 weeks before teplizumab treatment, during treatment, or 6 weeks after completion of treatment.
- tocilizumab
tocilizumab decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension
triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Corticosteroids also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
Monitor Closely (20)
- certolizumab pegol
certolizumab pegol decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cyclosporine
cyclosporine decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. If possible, complete all age-appropriate vaccinations at least 2 weeks before initiating immunosuppressant therapy. Patients vaccinated <14 days before starting immunosuppressive therapy or during immunosuppressive therapy should be revaccinated at least 3 months after therapy is discontinued if immune competence has been restored. Longer waiting periods may be required for drugs that maintain their immunosuppressive effects for more than 3 months after discontinuation (eg, ocrelizumab). .
- ibrutinib
ibrutinib decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration with immunosuppressant therapy reduced efficacy of the vaccine may occur. If possible, complete all age-appropriate vaccinations at least 2 weeks prior to initiation of immunosuppressant therapy. Patients vaccinated <14 days before initiation or during immunosuppressive therapy should be revaccinated at least 3 months after therapy is discontinued. .
- ifosfamide
ifosfamide decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration with immunosuppressant therapy reduced efficacy of the vaccine may occur. If possible, complete all age-appropriate vaccinations at least 2 weeks prior to initiation of immunosuppressant therapy. Patients vaccinated <14 days before initiation or during immunosuppressive therapy should be revaccinated at least 3 months after therapy is discontinued. .
- lomustine
lomustine decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration with immunosuppressant therapy reduced efficacy of the vaccine may occur. If possible, complete all age-appropriate vaccinations at least 2 weeks prior to initiation of immunosuppressant therapy. Patients vaccinated <14 days before initiation or during immunosuppressive therapy should be revaccinated at least 3 months after therapy is discontinued. .
- mechlorethamine
mechlorethamine decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration with immunosuppressant therapy reduced efficacy of the vaccine may occur. If possible, complete all age-appropriate vaccinations at least 2 weeks prior to initiation of immunosuppressant therapy. Patients vaccinated <14 days before initiation or during immunosuppressive therapy should be revaccinated at least 3 months after therapy is discontinued. .
- melphalan
melphalan decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration with immunosuppressant therapy reduced efficacy of the vaccine may occur. If possible, complete all age-appropriate vaccinations at least 2 weeks prior to initiation of immunosuppressant therapy. Patients vaccinated <14 days before initiation or during immunosuppressive therapy should be revaccinated at least 3 months after therapy is discontinued. .
- mercaptopurine
mercaptopurine decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Immunosuppressants also increase risk of infection with concomitant live vaccines.
- onasemnogene abeparvovec
onasemnogene abeparvovec decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Adjust vaccinations to accommodate concomitant corticosteroid administration prior to and following onasemnogene abeparvovec infusion. When initiating systemic corticosteriod therapy, wait 2 weeks after an inactivated vaccine.
- oxaliplatin
oxaliplatin decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration with immunosuppressant therapy reduced efficacy of the vaccine may occur. If possible, complete all age-appropriate vaccinations at least 2 weeks prior to initiation of immunosuppressant therapy. Patients vaccinated <14 days before initiation or during immunosuppressive therapy should be revaccinated at least 3 months after therapy is discontinued. .
- ponesimod
ponesimod decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. If possible, complete all age-appropriate vaccinations at least 4 weeks before initiating ponesimod.
- procarbazine
procarbazine decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration with immunosuppressant therapy reduced efficacy of the vaccine may occur. If possible, complete all age-appropriate vaccinations at least 2 weeks prior to initiation of immunosuppressant therapy. Patients vaccinated <14 days before initiation or during immunosuppressive therapy should be revaccinated at least 3 months after therapy is discontinued. .
- rabies immune globulin, human (RIG)
rabies immune globulin, human (RIG) decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: RIG may be administered concurrently with and up to 8 days after rabies vaccine. High dose rabies immunoglobulin may impair response to active immunization. .
- rituximab
rituximab, rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived. immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. When used for rheumatoid arthritis, follow current immunization guidelines and administer non-live vaccines at least 4 weeks prior to a course of rituximab.
- rituximab-hyaluronidase
rituximab-hyaluronidase, rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived. immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. When used for rheumatoid arthritis, follow current immunization guidelines and administer non-live vaccines at least 4 weeks prior to a course of rituximab.
- satralizumab
satralizumab decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Administer all immunizations according to immunization guidelines. At least 2 weeks before initiating for non-live vaccines. .
- tralokinumab
tralokinumab will decrease the level or effect of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Limited data are available regarding coadministration with non-live vaccines.
- ublituximab
ublituximab decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Administer all immunizations according to immunization guidelines at least 4 weeks before initiating ublituximab for live or live-attenuated vaccines and, whenever possible, at least 2 weeks before initiating for non-live vaccines. Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended during treatment and until B-cell repletion. Do not administer live or live-attenuated vaccines to infants of mothers exposed to ublituximab during pregnancy, before confirming recovery of B-cell counts as measured by CD19+ B cells.
- ustekinumab
ustekinumab decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Inactivated vaccinations administered during ustekinumab treatment may not elicit an immune response sufficient to prevent disease.
- voclosporin
voclosporin decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Inactivated vaccines noted to be safe for administration may not be sufficiently immunogenic during treatment.
Minor (2)
- chloroquine
chloroquine decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- ozanimod
ozanimod decreases effects of rabies vaccine chick embryo cell derived by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Minor/Significance Unknown. No clinical data are available on the efficacy and safety of vaccinations in patients taking ozanimod. Vaccinations may be less effective if coadministered with ozanimod.
Adverse Effects
Suspected adverse events after administration of any vaccine may be reported to Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS), 1-800-822-7967
>10%
Injection site pain, soreness, swelling, erythema, itching, burning (30-74%)
N/V (5-40%)
Abdominal pain (5-40%)
Diarrhea (5-40%)
Headache (5-40%)
Fatigue (5-40%)
Localized enlarged lymph nodes, sore throat (5-40%)
Low grade fever, chills (5-40%)
Muscle ache (5-40%)
Dizziness (5-40%)
Malaise (5-40%)
Postmarketing Reports
Guillain-Barre synd (rare)
Anaphylaxis (rare)
Encephalitis (very rare)
Meningitis (very rare)
Retrobulbar neuritis
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to processed bovine gelatin, chicken protein, neomycin, chlortetracycline and amphotericin B in trace amounts
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: if exposure to rabies suspected, nursing a baby is not a priority as far as immunization is concerned
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
These products convey active immunity via stimulation of production of endogenously produced antibodies
The onset of protection from disease is relatively slow, but duration is long lasting (years)
Mechanism of Action
Inactivated virus stimulates active immunity to rabies
Images
Patient Handout
rabies vaccine, pcec (PF) intramuscular
NO MONOGRAPH AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
USES: Consult your pharmacist.
HOW TO USE: Consult your pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: Consult your pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Consult your pharmacist.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Consult your pharmacist.Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: No monograph available at this time.
MISSED DOSE: Consult your pharmacist.
STORAGE: Consult your pharmacist.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised July 2016. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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