Anti-thymocyte Globulin (Rabbit) Injection

Anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) injection may cause serious reactions. A doctor will monitor you closely during your treatment with this medication.

Anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) injection is used to prevent and treat rejection of kidney transplants. Anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) injection is in a class of medications called polyclonal antibodies. It works by suppressing the body's immune system.

Anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) injection comes as a powder to be mixed with liquid and injected intravenously (into a vein) over 4 to 6 hours by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or medical facility. To prevent kidney transplant rejection, it is given once a day for up to 14 days.

Anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) injection can cause serious reactions, which can occur within 24 hours of receiving a dose. A doctor or nurse will watch you closely while you are receiving the infusion and afterward. Your doctor will probably treat you with other medications before and during each infusion to prevent infusion reactions. Tell your doctor or nurse if you experience any of the following symptoms during or after your infusion: rash; hives; itching; swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, throat, tongue, or lips; difficulty breathing or swallowing; shortness of breath; dizziness; fast heartbeat; chest pain; fever or chills; muscle or joint pain; nausea; vomiting; stomach pain; diarrhea; agitation; or headache. If you experience any of these symptoms, your doctor will slow down or stop your infusion and treat the symptoms of the reaction.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before receiving anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) injection,

• tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
• tell your doctor if you have any type of infection or if you often get any type of infection. This includes infections that come and go (such as cold sores) and chronic infections that do not go away. Your doctor may tell you not to receive anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) injection.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had low blood cell counts, high blood pressure, a high level of potassium in your blood, or liver problems.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while you are receiving anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) injection. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment and for 3 months after your final dose. Talk to your doctor about the best birth control method for you. If you become pregnant while receiving anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) injection, call your doctor immediately.
• tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are receiving anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) injection.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are receiving anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) injection.
• do not have any vaccinations without talking to your doctor.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• constipation
• heartburn
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• sweating
• acne
• feeling unwell, tired, or weak
• swelling of the arms, hands, legs, or feet
• back pain

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the HOW section, call your doctor immediately:

• sore throat, fever, cough, congestion, frequent or painful urination, or other signs of infection
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) injection may increase your risk of developing lymphoma (cancer that begins in the cells that fight infection) and other cancers, including skin cancer. Avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving this medication.

Anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• sore throat, fever, cough, congestion, frequent or painful urination, or other signs of infection
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) injection.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are receiving anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) injection.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

• Thymoglobulin^®