Indications & Uses
For the seroprophylaxis (prevention by injecting antibodies) of rabies in people suspected of having been exposed to the rabies virus, particularly in cases of severe exposure, such as multiple bites or scratches that break the skin, contamination of a mucous membrane with saliva, severe bites located on the face, head, neck and hands, situations when the domestic or wild animal responsible cannot be examined or is infected or suspected to be infected with the rabies virus, and bites to young children. Favirab provides passive immunization against rabies for prevention of rabies in patients after contact with a rabid animal or an animal presumed to be rabid. Anti rabies serum itself does not constitute an anti-rabies treatment and should always be used together with rabies vaccine.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
First-aid treatment
Bite wounds and scratches that may be contaminated with rabies virus need prompt local treatment, however much time has passed since the contact. The recommended first-aid measures are to flush and wash the wound straight away with soap and water, detergent or another substance of proven lethal effect on rabies virus. Rabies immune globulin should be injected as soon as possible after exposure.
The recommended dose of Rabies Immunoglobulin for both adults and children is 40 IU/kg of body weight. If it is anatomically feasible, infiltrate as much of the dose as possible around and into the wound(s). Give the remainder intramuscularly, into the gluteal region, in a single injection.
For children, particularly when there are multiple wounds, it has been proposed to dilute the dose 2-3 times in a 0.9% sodium chloride solution. This gives enough equine rabies immune globulin to infiltrate the wound(s) properly. Wounds in certain anatomical sites, such as the fingertips, should be infiltrated with care so that the pressure in the tissue does not rise locally.
To prevent rabies, combined immune globulin and vaccine treatment is recommended. The 1st dose of the rabies vaccine should be given at the same time as the Rabies immunoglobulin, but in a different part of the body. If Rabies immunoglobulin is not available when the vaccine is given, it can be given up to the 7th or 8th day after the first dose of rabies vaccine. When indicated, start anti-tetanus treatment and give anti-microbial drugs to control infections other than rabies.
The WHO expert committee on rabies has issued the following recommendations. They apply to contact with a suspect or confirmed rabid domestic or wild animal, or an animal that is not available for observation.
Touching or feeding the animal, or licks on intact skin: no treatment, if a reliable case history is available.
Nibbling of uncovered skin, minor scratches, superficial bites (except on the head, neck, shoulder girdle, arms or hands) or abrasions without bleeding: give the vaccine immediately on Day 0, D3, D7, D14 and D28. Stop treatment if the animal stays healthy throughout the observation period of 10 days, or if it is killed humanely and found negative by appropriate laboratory techniques.
Single or multiple transdermal bites or scratches, especially on the head, neck, shoulder girdle, arms or hands, and contamination of a mucous membrane with saliva: give the rabies vaccine immediately on Day 0, D3, D7, D14 and D28 or D90 (optional), and give rabies immune globulin immediately on D0. Stop treatment if the animal stays healthy throughout the observation period of 10 days, or if it is killed humanely and found negative by appropriate laboratory techniques.
Side Effects
Rabies immune globulin can trigger hypersensitivity reactions, either right away or with a delay. Immediate reactions may include low blood pressure, breathlessness, and hives. Delayed reactions can include local inflammation, fever, itching, rash or hives, swollen lymph nodes, and joint pain.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Do not give Favirab as an intravenous injection, because this can cause shock, that is, a sudden collapse with a drop in blood pressure. For this reason, make sure the needle has not entered a blood vessel before injecting. Favirab should not be given in repeated doses. Once vaccine treatment has begun, repeating Favirab injections may lessen the protective effect that the vaccine is meant to guarantee. Shake well before use, but do not shake vigorously.
Contraindications
Known allergy to horse proteins in the past. That said, because rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms start, this history does not rule out giving the injection if exposure has occurred.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Rabies immune globulin's safety during pregnancy hasn't been confirmed in human clinical trials. Even so, because rabies itself is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, being pregnant is not a reason to withhold this treatment after a possible exposure.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
If you don't follow the recommended dose of Rabies Immunoglobulin strictly, there is a risk that it will interfere with the rabies vaccine by suppressing the body's immune defenses.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep Rabies Immunoglobulin out of the reach and sight of children. Store it at 2°C to 8°C, and keep it at the same 2°C to 8°C during transport. Protect it from light and don't let it freeze.
Common questions about Favirab 1000 IU/5 ml
What is Favirab 1000 IU/5 ml IM Injection?
Favirab 1000 IU/5 ml IM Injection is a medicine that contains Rabies Immunoglobulin. It is made by Synovia Pharma PLC. It belongs to the Vaccines group of medicines.
What is Favirab used for?
For the seroprophylaxis (prevention by injecting antibodies) of rabies in people suspected of having been exposed to the rabies virus, particularly in cases of severe exposure, such as multiple bites or scratches that break the skin, contamination of a mucous membrane with saliva, severe bites located on the face, head, neck and hands, situations when the domestic or wild animal responsible cannot be examined or is infected or suspected to be infected with the rabies virus, and bites to young children. Favirab provides passive immunization against rabies for prevention of rabies in patients after contact with a rabid animal or an animal presumed to be rabid.
What are the side effects of Favirab?
Rabies immune globulin can trigger hypersensitivity reactions, either right away or with a delay. Immediate reactions may include low blood pressure, breathlessness, and hives.
Can I take Favirab during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Rabies immune globulin's safety during pregnancy hasn't been confirmed in human clinical trials. Even so, because rabies itself is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, being pregnant is not a reason to withhold this treatment after a possible exposure. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Favirab?
If you don't follow the recommended dose of Rabies Immunoglobulin strictly, there is a risk that it will interfere with the rabies vaccine by suppressing the body's immune defenses. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Favirab?
Keep Rabies Immunoglobulin out of the reach and sight of children. Store it at 2°C to 8°C, and keep it at the same 2°C to 8°C during transport.
Do I need a prescription for Favirab?
Favirab is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.