Antithymocyte Globulin (rabbits) Injection

What is this medication?

ANTITHYMOCYTE IMMUNE GLOBULIN (an tee THI mo cite im MUNE GLOB yoo lin) weakens the body's immune system. This medicine is used to prevent and treat kidney transplant rejection.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Thymoglobulin

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, or herpes
• recent or upcoming vaccine
• an unusual or allergic reaction to antithymocyte globulin, rabbits, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is injected into a vein. It is given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your health care provider about the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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. This medicine is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• 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 medicine.

This medicine can cause serious infusion reactions. To reduce the risk, your health care provider may give you other medicines to take before receiving this one. Be sure to follow the directions from your health care provider.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your health care provider 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.

Talk to your health care provider about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medicine.

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 medicine.

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

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions (skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
• high potassium levels (chest pain; fast, irregular heartbeat; muscle weakness)
• increase in blood pressure
• infection (fever, chills, cough, sore throat, pain or trouble passing urine)
• trouble breathing
• unusual bruising or bleeding

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

• anxious
• headache
• nausea
• pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected
• stomach pain

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 medicine 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.