Rabishield-100 (Rabies Human Monoclonal Antibody)
Rabishield is a sterile solution of fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody specific to the rabies virus surface G glycoprotein for local infiltration in the wounds and intramuscular administration following a suspected rabies exposure. It must be used in combination with a commercially available rabies vaccine and injected at sites distant from the rabies vaccine administration for post exposure prophylaxis. The product is standardized against the National and International Reference Standard Rabies Immune Globulin.
The fully human monoclonal antibody was originally isolated from hybridomas derived from transgenic mice with human immunoglobulin genes immunized with inactivated rabies vaccine. Rabishield is produced by recombinant DNA technology using CHO-K1 cells and purified. Rabishield binds to a conformational epitope of the ectodomain at antigenic site III and minor site a of the rabies G glycoprotein. Binding of Rabishield to the G glycoprotein probably prevents viral attachment to target cells. Rabishield neutralizes a wide variety of terrestrial and bat isolates of rabies virus tested by a standardized rapid fluorescence focus inhibition test (RFFIT).
In which form Rabishield-100 (Rabies Human Monoclonal Antibody) is available?
Rabishield-100 (Rabies Human Monoclonal Antibody) is available in form of ready to inject sterile liquid form. The vial contains 2.5 ml of injectable liquid containing human monoclonal antibody specific to rabies virus. The packet does not includes sterile disposable syringe for injection and a sterile needle. It is packed in opaque box to protect it from light.
How is Rabishield-100 (Rabies Human Monoclonal Antibody) stored?
Rabishield-100 (Rabies Human Monoclonal Antibody) is stored at temperature range 2 – 8 degree Celsius as recommended by manufacturer. The temperature range is maintained at all stages of transport and storage using cold chain. The temperature range should be strictly maintained. If frozen accidentally should not be used.
How to reconstitute Rabishield-100 (Rabies Human Monoclonal Antibody) ?
Rabishield-100 (Rabies Human Monoclonal Antibody) is already available in ready to inject liquid form in the vial. The sterile syringe with sterile needle is taken and the liquid for injection is sucked to the syringe. The injection is ready to inject now. The needle is changed with other sterile needle after taking liquid from sterile vial. All the standard hygienic precautions are taken while preparation.
How is Rabishield-100 (Rabies Human Monoclonal Antibody) given?
Rabishield-100 (Rabies Human Monoclonal Antibody) is given by injection. It is given for dog bite / animal bite wound category 3 or for immunocompromised hosts and those with AIDS category wound 2. Maximum amount possible is given at the site of the bite and remaining given intramuscularly at other site. The vaccine should not be given intravascular route. All the safety injection precautions are to be taken while injection. The disposables are discarded as per the biomedical waste management protocols. The expired vaccine should not be used and discarded as per biomedical waste management protocol to protect the environment.
What is schedule for Rabishield-100 (Rabies Human Monoclonal Antibody)?
Rabishield-100 (Rabies Human Monoclonal Antibody) injection is to be used only for post exposure prophylaxis and always with rabies vaccine like Rabipur or Rabivax S. The recommended dose is 3.33 IU of monoclonal antibody Rabishield. It is needed only in previously unvaccinated patients. This vaccine can be given till day 7 of bite and day 7 of first rabies vaccine. It should not be given beyond day 7 of rabies vaccine first dose.
How does Rabishield-100 (Rabies Human Monoclonal Antibody) work?
Rabishield-100 (Rabies Human Monoclonal Antibody) is passive form of immunization. Passive form of immunization is direct transfer of immunity to the host. These are monoclonal antibody specific to the rabies virus. With this injection the rabies virus in the wound is immediately inactivated and the person who is previously unimmunized for rabies is protected from the rabies. Currently this injection is suggested for cat 3 wound of bite along with rabies vaccine. It provides protection for 1-3 months so that the person is protected with readymade antibodies till his/her own antibodies are produced by active form of immunization that is rabies vaccine.
What are side effects of Rabishield-100 (Rabies Human Monoclonal Antibody) ?
Rabishield-100 (Rabies Human Monoclonal Antibody) prevents deadly rabies disease. Compared to disease in which death is certain with no cure the side effects of vaccine are mild and minimal.
- · Fever.
- · Headache.
- · Injection site pain and swelling.
- · Shivering.
- · Faintness.
- · Asthenia.
- · Dizziness.
- · Myalgia.
- · Nausea.
- · Abdominal pain.
- · Arthalgia.
Like all other vaccines Rabishield-100 (Rabies Human Monoclonal Antibody) may cause the anaphylaxis reaction and should be given at facility where necessary drugs and skilled personnel to manage the anaphylaxis is available. The anaphylaxis is very rare side effect to occur after vaccination like all other vaccinations.
Considering the life threatening nature of the rabies disease it is beneficial to use this vaccine in pregnancy and lactating mothers where the exposure is for sure happened or suspected.
Update
Now Rabieshield anti rabies human monoclonal antibodies are available in 50 IU packing too. So if you have patient weighing 15 kg or less the medicines is not wasted.