Does A Missed Rabipur Dose Cause Weakness,itching And Low Headache?

Posted on Mon, 24 Feb 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 24 Feb 2014 Answered on

Sat, 15 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : i have bitten by dog on covered skin (leg, covered by jeans paint) in india on 19th of dec 2013. Doctor told me to take 5 dose of rabipur on 0,3,7,14 and 28 days. I took 4 dose on 0, 3, 10th and 24 days. Now i am in California from last 1 month. i am feeling weakness, itching and low headache. My question is , is it happening due to miss dose or not., if not then what could be the reason and solution , if yes then what could be the solution, Please advise. Thanks in advance.thanks sir. If i took the 5th dose now , can it be helpful.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: NO, not related! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query I am so sorry to hear about this dog bite that you had and the symptoms you have reported. I understand you must have been very troubled since this dog bite about the possibility of rabies. Having received 4doses, there is just no way a rabies infection would surface. Plan and complete the vaccination to make sure you are protected against future rabies infection if exposed. The missed dose cannot be the reason of these symptoms. To me, they are very nonspecific and I would rather recommend that you monitor them little longer to see if anything new comes up for us to better characterize and get a cause. For now, it is simply not a big reason to get worried of. For now, I will recommend enough rest, eat well and rink enough water. If anything new comes up, it may help orient us towards a possible cause. I strongly believe this would not need any aggressive medical intervention. I hope this addresses your query fully. Thank you so much for patronizing our services and please do feel free to ask for follow up clarifications and information if need be. I wish you the best of health. Dr. Ditah, MD.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (7 minutes later)

thanks sir, but out of four, i took two days late by 3 to 10 days, i took 3rd dose on 10th day where it is supposed to be complete by 7th and 4th dose of 24th day where it is supposed to be complete by 14, so getting vaccinated late will not create any problem?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (0 minute later)

Brief Answer: Yes Detailed Answer: Yes, it would be helpful. Not exactly in protecting against rabies now because you are already protected but for longterm prevention. I hope this helps.. I wish you well. Dr. Ditah, MD.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer: It will not create a problem Detailed Answer: It is often best to follow treatment as planned for best results. However, we still get good results with minor delays. You should not get too worried about the minor delays but try to always follow up with treatment exactly as recommended by your doctor. Thanks. Dr. Ditah, MD.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (0 minute later)

Thanks Doctor thanku so much. So i don't need to get worried about this infection. Is there any advisory which needs to follow for this , if yes then please guide me. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Get booster doses once every 10years Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for following up with me. Once you complete the 5th dose, you are protected against rabies. You should remember too get booster doses every 10years and you would never need to get bothered by the possibility of rabies infection. also, keep away from stray dogs especially in areas where they are not well vaccinated. I wish you well. Dr. Ditah, MD.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (0 minute later)

Thanks sir, thanku so much.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Thanks Detailed Answer: Thank you so much for your kind words. I wish you well. Dr. Ditah, MD.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar