Form: Powder and Diluent for Suspension for Injection
Manufacturer: Sanofi Pasteur Limited
Indications and Clinical Use
Indications:
Pre-exposure Prophylaxis: For individuals at high risk of exposure to rabies virus (e.g., certain laboratory workers, veterinarians, animal handlers, travelers to areas where rabies is endemic).
Post-exposure Prophylaxis: For individuals who have been exposed to the rabies virus.
Dosage and Administration
Pre-exposure Prophylaxis:
Primary Vaccination: Three doses of 1.0 mL intramuscularly on days 0, 7, and 21 or 28.
Booster Doses: Administered intramuscularly based on serologic testing or potential exposure.
Post-exposure Prophylaxis:
Previously Unimmunized Individuals: Five doses of 1.0 mL intramuscularly on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28, along with rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) on day 0.
Previously Immunized Individuals: Two doses of 1.0 mL intramuscularly on days 0 and 3, without RIG.
Contraindications
Pre-exposure: Hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine or its container.
Post-exposure: No absolute contraindications, but caution is advised in individuals with hypersensitivity to the vaccine components.
Warnings and Precautions
General: Pre-exposure immunization should be deferred in the presence of acute illness. Post-exposure prophylaxis should be initiated as soon as possible after exposure.
Immunocompromised Individuals: May have a reduced immune response; serologic testing is recommended to ensure adequate response.
Special Populations:
Pregnancy: Administer only if clearly needed.
Breastfeeding: Caution is advised.
Adverse Reactions
Very Common: Injection site reactions (pain, erythema, swelling), headache, malaise, myalgia.
