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Uses

What is Rapivab used for?

Rapivab (peramivir) is commonly used for the treatment of the flu, but only within the first two days of having flu symptoms. The flu, short for influenza, is caused by influenza viruses that infect parts of the body, leading to symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue.

Rapivab may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Rapivab work (mechanism of action)?

Rapivab blocks the creation of new flu virus particles, which helps your body’s immune system fight the infection.

How is Rapivab supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Rapivab

Rapivab is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.

How should I store Rapivab?

Rapivab is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Rapivab?

The most common side effect of Rapivab is diarrhea. Tell your healthcare provider if this side effect bothers you.

There may be other side effects of Rapivab that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Rapivab?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Rapivab are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Hallucinations or Psychotic-like Behaviors. Rapivab may cause hallucinations or psychotic-like behaviors. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, or if you have been told by others you have these symptoms.

  • Hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or otherwise perceiving things that others do not
  • Delusional thoughts, such as false beliefs that you are being controlled
  • Disorganized thoughts, such as jumping between topics or having a hard time focusing
  • Sudden decline in self-care, such as personal hygiene or academic/work performance
  • Aggressive behavior

Severe Skin Reactions. Rapivab can cause severe skin reactions, such as erythema multiforme or Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop Rapivab and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, raised spots or 'target-shaped' blisters on your hands, feet, arms, legs, and face
  • Red, painful, watery eyes

Severe Allergic Reactions. Rapivab may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Rapivab and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Rapivab?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Rapivab.

  • Rapivab
  • Peramivir
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Rapivab.

What should I know about Rapivab before using it?

Rapivab is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. It will be injected into your veins.

Rapivab only works against the flu virus. Talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms get worse or do not improve. This may be a sign of another type of infection.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Rapivab?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Rapivab is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • History of mental health problems, including hallucinations
  • Kidney problems

Vaccines. Talk with your healthcare provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or while using Rapivab. Tell your healthcare provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Rapivab may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Rapivab, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Rapivab could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Rapivab passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Rapivab while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Rapivab?

For more information about Rapivab, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.rapivab.com or call them at 833-633-2279. 

Interactions

Does Rapivab interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Rapivab and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Rapivab, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does Rapivab interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you have recently received or plan to receive a live flu vaccine.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Rapivab. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Rapivab?

If you or someone else has used too much Rapivab, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Rapivab?

Rapivab is meant to be given as a single dose, as