Note: This document contains side effect information about rabies vaccine, human diploid cell. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Imovax Rabies.
Applies to rabies vaccine, human diploid cell: intramuscular powder for injection.
Warning
You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.
Keep track of any and all side effects you have after receiving this vaccine. When you receive a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shot caused any side effects.
Becoming infected with rabies is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.
Call your doctor at once if you have rare but serious side effects, such as:
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a very high fever;
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fever, vomiting, skin rash, joint pain, general ill feeling;
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tingling or a prickly feeling in your fingers or toes;
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weakness or unusual feeling in your arms and legs; or
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problems with balance or eye movement, trouble speaking or swallowing.
Common side effects may include:
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pain, swelling, itching, or redness where the shot was given;
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headache;
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dizziness;
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muscle pain; or
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nausea, stomach pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to rabies vaccine, human diploid cell: intramuscular powder for injection.
General
The most common side effects have included local injection site reactions in up to 25% of patients. The most common systemic reactions have included malaise, headache, nausea, muscle aches, and dizziness in up to 20% of patients. Rabies prophylaxis should not be interrupted or discontinued because of local or mild systemic reactions. These reactions usually can be managed with antipyretics and anti-inflammatories.
The risk of developing a potentially fatal rabies infection should be considered before making the decision to discontinue rabies vaccination when severe anaphylactic or neuroparalytic reactions occur. The State Health Department or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may be consulted for advice on managing serious reactions.[Ref]
Local
Very common (10% or more): Pain, erythema, swelling, or itching at the injection site (25%)
Frequency not reported: Tenderness at the injection site, induration
Postmarketing reports: Injection site hematoma[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic reaction, serum sickness type reaction, dermatitis allergic skin reactions (pruritus, edema, urticaria, rash)[Ref]
Nervous system
Frequency not reported: Headache, dizziness
Postmarketing reports: Paresthesia, neuropathy, convulsion, encephalitis[Ref]
Other
Frequency not reported: Fever
Postmarketing reports: Asthenia, malaise, shivering[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Frequency not reported: Muscle aches
Postmarketing reports: Arthralgia[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Frequency not reported: Nausea, abdominal pain
Postmarketing reports: Vomiting, diarrhea[Ref]
Respiratory
Postmarketing reports: Wheezing, dyspnea[Ref]
Hematologic
Postmarketing reports: Lymphadenopathy[Ref]
