Defensor 2.5IU Injection

Reviewed By Dr. Rajeev Sharma, MBA, MBBS

Last updated on 07 Apr 2026 | 06:46 PM (IST)

Defensor 2.5IU Injection is given to people who are at higher risk of coming in contact with rabies like veterinarians. It is also given to people after an animal bite if the animal could have rabies. If the vaccine is given immediately and appropriately, it is 100 percent effective.

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General Information

Contains

Rabies vaccine, Human (2.5IU)

Marketer

Pfizer Ltd

Storage

Store in a refrigerator (2 - 8°C). Do not freeze.

The content is shown in English

Product introduction

Defensor 2.5IU Injection is given by injection by a doctor or nurse. It is administered post thorough washing (for about 15 minutes, with soap and copious amounts of water) of all bite wounds as early as possible. The sooner treatment is begun after exposure, the better. Post-exposure anti-rabies vaccination should always include administration of both Immunoglobulin and vaccine, with the exception of persons who have previously received complete vaccination regimens. It is very very important to complete the course of the vaccine to prevent this fatal disease.

The most common side effects include pain, joint pain, vaccination site redness as well as swelling. They do not normally last very long. Sitting or lying down can sometimes help. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worry you.

Before having the injection, you should tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a vaccine. Some other medicines may react with the rabies vaccine, so let your doctor know about all the medicine you are taking as well.

Uses of Defensor Injection

Prevention of Rabies

Benefits of Defensor Injection

Prevention of Rabies
Rabies is a serious disease caused by the rabies virus. It is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Defensor 2.5IU Injection is given to people who are at higher risk of coming in contact with rabies virus like veterinarians, animal keepers, hunters, butchers, personnel in rabies research laboratories, etc., or those with a prior visit to areas in which rabies is endemic. The vaccine helps develop immunity by forming antibodies, that protect against infection caused by viruses. Vaccination can also prevent the disease if it is given to a person after they have been exposed. It is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor. You should not self-administer this medicine.

Side effects of Defensor Injection

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Defensor

Pain
Joint pain
Injection site redness
Injection site swelling
Swelling of lymph nodes

How to use Defensor Injection

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

How Defensor Injection works

Defensor 2.5IU Injection is an inactivated vaccine. It helps develop immunity by forming antibodies, which are proteins that protect against infection caused by viruses.

All substitutes for Defensor 2.5IU Injection

For information purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicine.

Rabivax-S Vaccine

by Serum Institute Of India Ltd

₹404.55/injection

198% costlier

Quick tips

Defensor 2.5IU Injection helps prevent rabies.
It is given as an injection into the muscle of the upper arm.
If you are at risk of being bitten, the vaccine is given as a course of three injections on 0, 3, and 7 days. A booster dose is needed one year after completing this course.
You may experience headaches or fatigue. Inform your doctor who may prescribe you a suitable painkiller to give you relief. Never self-medicate.

Safety advice

Alcohol

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Defensor 2.5IU Injection. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

The safety of Defensor 2.5IU Injection during pregnancy has not been established. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, and animal data on reproductive toxicity are insufficient. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing.

Breast feeding

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Available human data suggest that the drug does not pass into breast milk in clinically significant amounts and is unlikely to harm the infant.

Driving

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether Defensor 2.5IU Injection alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react. Please consult your doctor.

Kidney

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

There is limited data available on the use of Defensor 2.5IU Injection in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.

Liver

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

There is limited data available on the use of Defensor 2.5IU Injection in patients with liver disease.

Frequently asked questions

How does rabies spread?

The rabies virus is transmitted in the saliva of infected animals. People usually become infected with the virus if they get bitten by an infected animal. However, any contact with the saliva of an infected animal (alive or dead) can potentially lead to rabies infection if the person has an opening in the skin or the saliva gets into their eyes, nose or mouth.

Is rabies preventable?

Rabies is a 100% preventable disease. Proper wound management and simultaneous administration of Defensor 2.5IU Injection combined with rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is considered invariably effective in preventing rabies, even after high-risk exposure.

What are the symptoms of rabies?

The rabies virus attacks the nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The first symptoms of rabies are similar to a flu-like illness which can be identified as fever, headache and general discomfort. Within days, the disease can progress to symptoms such as anxiety, confusion, agitation, abnormal behavior, delirium and hallucinations.

Who should get this vaccine?

Rabies vaccine is recommended for persons in high-risk occupational groups, such as veterinarians and their staff, animal handlers, rabies researchers and certain laboratory workers. International travelers who are likely to come in contact with animals in areas where cases of dog rabies are common. People should remain cautious and must get Defensor 2.5IU Injection, especially if they will have limited access to appropriate medical care in such areas.

Can a pregnant woman receive Defensor 2.5IU Injection if exposed to rabies?

Yes, Defensor 2.5IU Injection can be taken by a pregnant woman. Cases of any fetal abnormalities in pregnant women have not been reported with the use of Defensor 2.5IU Injection. The doctor may even suggest routine pre-exposure vaccination against rabies if the risk of exposure is high.

What are the side effects of Defensor 2.5IU Injection?

Most of the side effects of Defensor 2.5IU Injection are mild, such as soreness and redness at the injection site. Moderate problems, including hives, pain in the joints and fever, are possible in a small percentage of patients (6%) who are given booster doses.

Who should not receive Defensor 2.5IU Injection?

Defensor 2.5IU Injection is not recommended for routine use in the general population. It should not be used if a person is moderately or severely ill. If you have any doubts, consult your doctor.

Fact Box

Chemical Class

Vaccines

Habit Forming

Therapeutic Class

VACCINES

Action Class

Inactivated (Killed) Vaccines

References

Sinha A, Singh S. Immunization and Immunodeficiency. In: Paul VK, Bagga A, editors. Ghai Essential Pediatrics. 8th ed. New Delhi: CBS Publisher's & Distributors Pvt Ltd.; 2013. pp. 202-203.
Imovax Rabies Vaccine. Swiftwater, PA: Sanofi; 2013. [Accessed 04 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
Rabies Vaccine. Swiftwater PA: Sanofi; 2013. [Accessed 04 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 03 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
Rabies vaccine. Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Zydus Lifesciences Limited; 2024

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Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

Marketer details

Name: Pfizer Ltd
Address: The Capital, 1802, 18th Floor , Plot No. C-70, ‘G’ Block , Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East , Mumbai – 400051.

Vendor Details

Country of origin: India

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Defensor 2.5IU Injection

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General Information

Contains

Marketer

Storage

Product introduction

Uses of Defensor Injection

Benefits of Defensor Injection

Side effects of Defensor Injection

How to use Defensor Injection

How Defensor Injection works

All substitutes for Defensor 2.5IU Injection

Rabivax-S Vaccine

Quick tips

Safety advice

Alcohol

Pregnancy

Breast feeding

Driving

Kidney

Liver

Frequently asked questions

How does rabies spread?

Is rabies preventable?

What are the symptoms of rabies?

Who should get this vaccine?

Can a pregnant woman receive Defensor 2.5IU Injection if exposed to rabies?

What are the side effects of Defensor 2.5IU Injection?

Who should not receive Defensor 2.5IU Injection?

Fact Box

Chemical Class

Habit Forming

Therapeutic Class

Action Class

References

Want to know more

Have issue with the content

Disclaimer

Marketer details

Vendor Details

Lab tests offered by us

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