Antithymocyte Globulin (Equine) Injection

What is this medication?

ANTITHYMOCYTE IMMUNE GLOBULIN (an tee THI mo cite im MUNE GLOB yoo lin) prevents the body from rejecting an organ transplant. It works by lowering the body’s immune system response. This helps the body accept the donor organ. It may also be used to treat aplastic anemia, a condition that occurs when your body does not make enough new blood cells.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Atgam

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Infection especially a viral infection, such as chickenpox, cold sores, herpes
• Recent or upcoming vaccine
• An unusual or allergic reaction to antithymocyte globulin, horses, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is infused into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Live virus vaccines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

This medication can cause serious infusion reactions. To reduce the risk, your care team may give you other medications to take before receiving this one. Follow the directions from your care team.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

Be careful brushing or flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medication.

This medication can decrease the response to a vaccine. If you need to get vaccinated, tell your care team if you have received this medication. Extra booster doses may be needed. Talk to your care team to see if a different vaccination schedule is needed.

This medication is made from donated human (and horse) blood. There is a small risk that it may contain bacteria or viruses, such as hepatitis or HIV. All products are processed to kill most bacteria and viruses. Talk to your care team if you have questions about the risk of infection.

Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. The use of this medication during pregnancy has not been well studied. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 10 weeks after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.

If your partner can get pregnant, use a condom during sex while taking this medication and for 10 weeks after the last dose.

Talk to your care team about this medication if you are breastfeeding. There are benefits and risks to taking medications while breastfeeding. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Fever, chills, unusual weakness or fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, headache, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, shortness of breath, fast or irregular heartbeat, which may be signs of cytokine release syndrome
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Infusion reactions—chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, feeling faint or lightheaded
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Headache
• Itching
• Joint pain
• Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.