Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Imogam Rabies Pasteurized
What is IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized used for?
IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized contains antibodies to the rabies virus and is used to prevent rabies in persons soon after they have been exposed to the rabies virus. Rabies is a deadly illness that affects the central nervous system. It is caused by the rabies virus which spreads to humans through close contact with the saliva of an infected animal, most often from bites, scratches, or from licks on broken skin or mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose or mouth.
How does IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized work?
IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized contains antibodies that neutralize the rabies virus. It provides rapid protection but lasts for only a few weeks. IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized is injected in one dose directly into the wound as soon as possible after exposure. A person who is exposed to and has never been vaccinated against rabies should receive IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized and rabies vaccinations. IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized provides immediate passive protection until the exposed person mounts an immune response to the rabies vaccine.
What are the ingredients in IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized?
Medicinal ingredients: human proteins containing anti-rabies antibodies.
Nonmedicinal ingredients: glycine, sodium chloride, water for injection.
IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized comes in the following dosage forms:
IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized is solution for injection (150 IU/mL), supplied in 2.0 mL and 10.0 mL vials.
Do not use IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized if:
- You have previously received IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized along with a rabies vaccine.
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- Have an allergy or hypersensitivity to any component of the product or the container.
Are pregnant or nursing. It is important that you understand the risks and benefits of using this product. IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized should be given to a pregnant or nursing woman only if it is clearly needed. Tell the person giving you the injection if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
- Have a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning medications. Tell the person giving you the injection about your condition. The injection must be done carefully to prevent excessive bleeding.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized:
- Live virus vaccines, such as measles vaccine, should not be given for four months following IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized.
- IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized should not be mixed with the rabies vaccine, other vaccines, or any other medicinal products in the same syringe.
READ THIS FOR SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF YOUR MEDICINE
How to take IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized:
Usual dose:
A dose of 20 IU/kg of body weight is recommended for children and adults.
IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized should be injected into the muscle surrounding the wound.
Overdose:
Missed Dose:
Not applicable.
What are possible side effects from using IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized?
These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional. Please also see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS.
An immune globulin product, like any other medicine, may cause serious side effects, such as allergic reactions. The risk of IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized causing serious harm is extremely small.
Some people who receive IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized may experience the following mild side effects:
- pain or tenderness at the injection site (with redness or swelling).
- fever, headache, or nausea.
- a general feeling of weakness and discomfort.
These side effects usually go away within a few days.
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.
Storage:
Store IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized in a refrigerator at 2° to 8°C (35° to 46°F). Do not freeze. Discard if it has been exposed to freezing.
Protect from light.
Do not use after the expiration date.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized:
- Talk to your healthcare professional.
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website website (http://hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php); the Sanofi Pasteur Limited website (http://www.sanofipasteur.ca), or by calling the Sanofi Pasteur Limited Vaccine Information Service at 1-888-621-1146 (no charge) or at 416-667-2779 (Toronto area).
If you think you have taken too much IMOGAM® Rabies Pasteurized, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
REPORTING SIDE EFFECTS
You can help improve the safe use of health products for Canadians by reporting serious and unexpected side effects to Health Canada. Your report may help to identify new side effects and change the product safety information.
3 ways to report:
- Online at MedEffect;
- By calling 1-866-234-2345 (toll-free);
By completing a Patient Side Effect Reporting Form and sending it by:
- Fax to 1-866-678-6789 (toll-free), or
Mail to: Canada Vigilance Program
Health Canada,
Postal Locator 0701E
Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9
Postage paid labels and the Patient Side Effect Reporting Form are available at MedEffect
(http://hc-sc.ga.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/index-eng.php).
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
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