Antithymocyte Globulin (Equine)

(an te THY moe site GLOB yu lin, E kwine)

U.S. Brand Names

Atgam®

Canadian Brand Names

Atgam®

Pharmacologic Category

Immune Globulin; Immunosuppressant Agent

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

You will be closely monitored by healthcare provider.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to lymphocytic immune globulin, horse proteins, or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to prevent rejection after organ transplant.

• This medicine is used to treat anemia.

How does it work?

• Antithymocyte globulin (equine) helps the body accept a transplanted organ.

• It decreases the body's harmful response to diseases affecting the immune system.

How is it best taken?

• This medicine is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

• Diphenhydramine may be given before this medicine to decrease itching.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Call healthcare provider for instructions.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Be careful about taking vaccinations while you are receiving this medicine.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Low platelet and white blood cell counts.

• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.

• Headache.

• Diarrhea.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Severe allergic reactions can rarely occur.

What should I monitor?

• You will be monitored closely by healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.

• Unusual bruising or bleeding.

• Severe back pain.

• Feeling extremely tired or weak.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

• Read the package insert for more details.



Created: 2007-02-16 10:48:39.0

Modified: 2008-02-04 09:16:35.0

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