anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit)
What is the most important information I should know about anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit)?
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You should not use this medication if you are allergic to rabbit proteins, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to anti-thymocyte globulin. |
To make sure you can safely take anti-thymocyte globulin, tell your doctor if you have an active or chronic infection, or a serious infection called sepsis.
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Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with anti-thymocyte globulin. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as: fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, mouth and throat ulcers, rapid heart rate, rapid and shallow breathing, weakness, tired feeling, or feeling like you might pass out. |
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Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using anti-thymocyte globulin. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease. |
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit)?
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You should not use this medication if you are allergic to rabbit proteins, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to anti-thymocyte globulin. |
To make sure you can safely take anti-thymocyte globulin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
- an active or chronic infection; or
- a serious infection called sepsis.
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FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether anti-thymocyte globulin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. |
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It is not known whether anti-thymocyte globulin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using anti-thymocyte globulin. |
Using anti-thymocyte globulin may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes). Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.
How is anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) given?
Anti-thymocyte globulin is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. Anti-thymocyte globulin must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take 4 to 6 hours to complete.
You may be given other medications to help prevent serious side effects or allergic reaction.
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Anti-thymocyte globulin can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick from being around others who are ill. Your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly. |
What happens if I overdose?
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Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. |
Overdose symptoms may include some of the serious side effects listed in this medication guide.
What should I avoid while receiving anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit)?
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Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using anti-thymocyte globulin. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), oral polio, rotavirus, smallpox, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), H1N1 influenza, and nasal flu vaccine. |
What are the possible side effects of anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit)?
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Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. |
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Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with anti-thymocyte globulin. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as: |
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
- mouth and throat ulcers;
- rapid heart rate, rapid and shallow breathing;
- weakness, tired feeling; or
- feeling like you might pass out.
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Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as: |
- easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
- white patches inside your mouth or on your lips;
- swollen glands, rash or itching, joint pain;
- pain or burning when you urinate;
- dry cough, wheezing, feeling short of breath;
- chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, sweating, general ill feeling; or
- high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling).
Less serious side effects may include:
- headache, dizziness;
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
- swelling in your hands or feet; or
- pain, swelling, or redness where the injection was given.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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