Rabies Immune Globulin (Systemic)
Brand Names : BayRab, Hyperab, Imogam Rabies-HT, Imogam, HRIG, RIG
Category- Immunizing agent, passive
DescriptionRabies immune globulin (RAY-beez im-MUNE GLOB-yoo-lin) is used
along with rabies vaccine to prevent infection caused by the rabies virus.
Rabies immune globulin works by giving your body the antibodies it needs to
protect it against the rabies virus. This is called passive protection. This
passive protection lasts long enough to protect your body until your body
can produce its own antibodies against the rabies virus.
Rabies immune globulin is given to persons who have been exposed (for example,
by a bite, scratch, or lick) to an animal that is known, or thought, to have
rabies. This is called post-exposure prophylaxis. Rabies immune globulin is
used only in persons who have never before received the rabies vaccine.
Rabies infection is a serious, and often fatal, infection. In the U.S.,
rabies in wild animals, especially raccoons, skunks, and bats, accounts for
most cases of rabies passed on to humans, pets, and other domestic animals.
In Canada, the animals most often infected with rabies are foxes, skunks,
bats, dogs, and cats. Horses, swine, and cattle also have been known to become
infected with rabies. In much of the rest of the world, including Latin America,
Africa, and Asia, dogs account for most cases of rabies passed on to humans.
If you are being (or will be) treated for a possible rabies infection while
traveling outside of the U.S. or Canada, contact your doctor as soon as you
return to the U.S. or Canada, since it may be necessary for you to have additional
treatment.
Rabies immune globulin is to be administered only by or under the supervision
of your doctor or other health care professional. It is available in the following
dosage form:
Parenteral
-
Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
- BayRab
- Hyperab
- Imogam Rabies-HT
- Imogam
In Canada -
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. and Canada.
Other commonly used names are HRIG
and RIG
.
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