What is Rabavert: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Rabavert overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • RabAvert, Imovax Rabies

Generic Names:

  • Rabavert

Uses:

  • Prevents infection caused by rabies virus. The vaccine can be given before or after you are exposed to the rabies virus.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Vaccine

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Rabavert used for?

What form(s) does Rabavert come in

  • Injectable

What are common Rabavert doses?

  • Suspension Reconstituted

Common Rabavert prescriptions

  • RabAvert
    1 vial suspension reconstituted

How to take Rabavert

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles. The vaccine is injected into the upper arm muscle. Very young or small children may have the vaccine injected into the upper leg muscle.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • You are at risk for exposure to the rabies virus if you work with animals or will be going to a country where rabies is common. People who are at risk of being exposed to rabies will receive 3 doses on 3 different days within a 1-month period.

  • If you have received the vaccine in the past and have been exposed to the rabies virus, you will need to receive 2 doses on 2 different days within a 1-month period.

  • If you have not yet received the vaccine and were exposed to the rabies virus, you will need a total of 5 doses on 5 different days within a 1-month period. You will also receive a shot of rabies immune globulin.

  • It is very important that you have the shots on the exact day your doctor tells you to.

  • Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

  • If you have not yet received the vaccine and were exposed to the rabies virus, you will need a total of 5 doses on 5 different days within a 1-month period. You will also receive a shot of rabies immune globulin.

  • If you have received the vaccine in the past and have been exposed to the rabies virus, you will need to receive 2 doses on 2 different days within a 1-month period.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • You are at risk for exposure to the rabies virus if you work with animals or will be going to a country where rabies is common. People who are at risk of being exposed to rabies will receive 3 doses on 3 different days within a 1-month period.

  • It is very important that you have the shots on the exact day your doctor tells you to.

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles. The vaccine is injected into the upper arm muscle. Very young or small children may have the vaccine injected into the upper leg muscle.

  • Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of Rabavert

  • You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

Rabavert contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive this vaccine if you had an allergic reaction to rabies vaccine.

Rabavert warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to any type of vaccine, if you have an illness with fever, or if you have an immune system problem.

  • This medicine is made from donated human blood. Some human blood products have transmitted viruses to people who have received them, although the risk is low. Human donors and donated blood are both tested for viruses to keep the transmission risk low. Talk with your doctor about this risk if you are concerned.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Rabavert interactions

  • Tell your doctor before you receive this vaccine if you take medicine that weakens your immune system, such as a steroid (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone) or cancer treatment.

  • This medicine is made from donated human blood. Some human blood products have transmitted viruses to people who have received them, although the risk is low. Human donors and donated blood are both tested for viruses to keep the transmission risk low. Talk with your médico about this risk if you are concerned.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Rabavert side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet

  • Nausea, stomach pain

  • Tiredness

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Fever

  • Tiredness

  • Itching, pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given

  • Dizziness, headache

  • Nausea, stomach pain