Anti-thymocyte globulin (Equine Derived)
Description
Anti-thymocyte globulin (Equine Derived) is an immunosuppressive agent which helps to prevent the immune system from attacking transplanted organs especially in kidney transplanted patients. Thus this medicine helps to avoid organ rejections in patients receiving organ transplantation. It is also used for the treatment of moderate to severe aplastic anemia (a condition with decreased blood count caused due to bone marrow disorder) where patients are unfit for bone marrow transplant.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Anti-thymocyte globulin (Equine Derived)
- Severe allergic reaction
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Joint and muscle pain
- Chills and fever
- Confusion
- Decreased heart rate
- Unusual tiredness and weakness
- Headache
- Night sweats
- Difficulty in breathing
- Abdominal pain
Uses of Anti-thymocyte globulin (Equine Derived)
What is it prescribed for?
- Organ Transplant - Rejection Prophylaxis
- Aplastic anemia
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. Your doctor will determine the best course of treatment after assessing the condition and evaluating the risks and benefits associated with the use of this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to Anti-thymocyte globulin or any horse proteins or any other inactive ingredient present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. Your doctor will determine the best course of treatment after assessing the condition and evaluating the risks and benefits associated with the use of this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary.
General warnings
Under medical supervision
This medicine should strictly be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional with experience of immunosuppressive therapy in the transplant setting. Close monitoring of the patient is recommended during the infusion and until the end of the infusion.
Severe allergic reactions
Severe allergic reactions may occur with this medicine, specifically contraindicated in patients with a previous history of allergy to any horse proteins and/or immunoglobulins. Precautions for immediate treatment should be available during use. If symptoms of allergic reactions occur, discontinue immediately and initiate appropriate treatment.
Infections
Use of this medicine may affect the immune system making you susceptible to opportunistic infections from a wide variety of pathogens. It is advised to not use this medicine during an active infection. Use of this medicine should be discontinued after consulting the doctor if a serious infection develops.
Liver impairment
This medicine should be administered with caution in patients with impaired liver function since it may worsen the condition and aggravate the preexisting clotting disorders. Close monitoring of liver function and coagulation parameters are recommended while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Vaccination
Administration of live vaccines is not recommended while treating with this medicine since the immunity is suppressed it may lead to infections.
Missed Dose
Since this medicine is administered by a qualified healthcare professional in the clinical or hospital setting, the likelihood of a missed dose is very low.
Overdose
Since this medicine is administered in the hospital or clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very low. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Leflunomide
Live vaccines
Etanercept
Infliximab
Adalimumab
Deferiprone
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
This medicine should strictly be administered under qualified healthcare professional with experience of immunosuppressive therapy in the transplant setting. Close monitoring of the patient is recommended during the infusion and until the end of the infusion. Inform the doctor if you have a known allergy to this medicine. Report all your current medicines as well as your medical conditions to the doctor before receiving this medicine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine works by acting against the white blood cells and suppresses the immunity thereby prevents organ rejection in transplant patients. In aplastic anemia, it works by stimulating the bone marrow to produce blood cells.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Immunoglobulins, Immunosuppressive agents
Schedule
Schedule G
[Internet]. Labeling.pfizer.com. 2019 [cited 22 May 2019]. Available from:
[Internet]. Bharatserums.com. 2019 [cited 22 May 2019]. Available from:
DailyMed - Atgam- equine thymocyte immune globulin injection, solution [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [cited 22 May 2019]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 23 May 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.