What is rabies IG?

The medicine supplies ready-made antibodies that can act while your immune system begins responding to rabies vaccine. It is used as part of post-exposure care for people who have not previously completed an appropriate rabies vaccination course. A clinician places as much as possible into and around the wound when practical; any remaining medicine is given at a separate site from the vaccine. It is not a substitute for the vaccine series.

Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and running water, avoid sealing it yourself, and attend urgent medical care. Tell the clinician when the contact occurred, which animal was involved, whether saliva touched the area, and whether you have received rabies vaccine before. Treatment is planned from those details, so do not delay while trying to identify the medicine on your own.

Get urgent assessment after a bite, a saliva-contaminated scratch, or saliva entering an eye, mouth, or open wound. This remains necessary if the injury is painless or healing. Symptoms such as fever, abnormal sensations near the wound, difficulty swallowing, agitation, or confusion require emergency attention, but waiting for symptoms is unsafe because preventive treatment is intended before illness begins.

Ask whether rabies IG is indicated, where it will be administered, how it fits with your vaccine schedule, and what to do if a dose or appointment is missed.