alternative vials

our doctor's prescription to tantan was berirab p(very expensive) can i use favirab?
can i also use rabipur instead of verorab?

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hello,

Yes.

Verorab, Rabipur - vaccine

Favirab, Berirab - Immunoglobulin

It is very important that immunoglobulin be administered as soon as possible after the exposure/bite.

There are no studies that have evaluated the effectiveness of using different types of vaccine in the post-exposure prophyaxis/treatment period.

"In countries that cannot afford the 5-dose regimen, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that 2 regimens are available that fulfill their requirements. These have been used in developing countries as replacements for the more expensive injections. These injections should be administered in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)." - http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/785543-overview#aw2aab6b6

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2386244/table/pntd-0000243-t001/

www.who.int/rabies/en/WHO_guide_rabies_pre_post_exp_treat_humans.pdf

http://www.mims.com/Philippines/drug/info/Favirab/Favirab%20vaccine?q=favirab&type=brief

http://www.mims.com/Philippines/drug/info/Berirab%20P/Berirab%20P%20vaccine

Manning SE, Rupprecht CE, Fishbein D, Hanlon CA, Lumlertdacha B, Guerra M, et al. Human rabies prevention--United States, 2008: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. MMWR Recomm Rep. May 23 2008;57:1-28.

~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case