Anti-thymocyte-immune-globulin Injectable Solution

ANTI-THYMOCYTE 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 to treat kidney transplant rejection. It is also used to treat aplastic anemia.

This drug can cause serious side effects. See which side effects you should report to your doctor right away.

Know how to use your medication, and learn what might happen if you miss a dose.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of these conditions.

Know what to watch for and get tips for reducing your risks while taking this drug.

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

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• back or chest pain
• breathing problems
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• fever or chills, infection
• mouth or throat sores or ulcers
• pain at site where injected
• pinpoint red spots on your skin
• seizures
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired

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

• aches and pains
• diarrhea
• headache
• nausea
• night sweats

• cancer chemotherapy
• other medicine for immune system problems
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
• vaccines

This drug is given as an infusion into a vein. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care professional.

Before your first dose of this medicine you need a skin test to check if you are allergic to this medicine.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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

• fever
• infection, especially viral infections
• an unusual or allergic reaction to antithymocyte globulin, horses, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

This does not apply.

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. Visit your doctor for regular checks on your progress even after you complete your therapy.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. Talk to your doctor before you get any vaccines.

Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.