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Atgam (antithymocyte immunoglobulin - equine)
What does it do?
Atgam® is used to treat transplant rejection. It is also sometimes used to treat blood conditions.
How is it given?
Atgam® is given as a slow infusion into a vein over at least 4 hours.
Can you take other medicines?
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.
What side effects might you notice?
| Side Effects | Recommended action |
|---|---|
|
Symptoms of allergy including: skin rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing Seizures Change in heartbeat Increased risk of infection - symptoms may include: fever, chills, sore throat, aches and pains, tiredness, pain when peeing, mouth ulcers Easy/unusual bruising or bleeding |
Tell your doctor immediately |
|
Headache Increased blood pressure |
Tell your doctor |
|
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea |
Tell your doctor if troublesome |
If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other information:
- Tell your doctor if you have heart, blood pressure or blood problems.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any products made from horse proteins.
- You may experience flu-like symptoms during treatment with Atgam®. This is common and usually resolves after the first few doses. Discuss with your doctor.
- Talk to your health professional before having any vaccines. Avoid live vaccines while taking Atgam®.
This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.
Prepared by the PILs Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Canterbury District Health Board, New Zealand. March 2018
For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
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About My Medicines
My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.
For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
My Medicines is developed by a team at the Canterbury District Health Board. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed