antithymocyte globulin (Rabbit)

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Actions: 

Lymphocytes are destroyed by the medicine. It adheres to proteins found only on T-cells. When these molecules attach, cell death happens. 

Spectrum: 

Rabbits get injected with a T-lymphoblast cell line, so their bodies make anti-human T-lymphocyte immunoglobulins called ATG (Antithymocyte Globulin). This concentrated preparation acts as an immunosuppressive drug. ATG helps treat and stop acute rejection after organ transplants. It weakens the host’s immune system’s reaction against the transplanted organ or tissue graft, an allograft. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Abdominal pain 

Chills 

SOB 

Rash 

Headache 

Leukopenia 

HTN 

Muscle pain 

Hypotension 

Insomnia 

Sweating 

Acne 

Malaise 

Mouth ulcers 

Bodyaches 

Tachycardia 

Light headed feeling 

Weakness 

Joint pain 

Swollen glands 

Urination problems (burning or pain) 

Unsual bleeding 

Red pinpoint spots under the skin (as well as purple) 

Dry cough 

Chest pain 

Wheezing 

Pain in the arms and shoulders 

Hyperkalemia 

Tingly feeling 

Weak pulse 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

Recommending immunosuppressive treatment involves skilled medical judgment. Doctors experienced in kidney transplants carefully evaluate each patient’s condition. They alone should advise this course of action.

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications 

• Hypersensitivity 
• Acute or chronic infections with additional immunosuppression 

Cautions 

• Renal impairment 
• Hepatic impairment 
• CRS syndrome 
• Drug interactions 
• Low platelet count 
• Low count of WBCs (neutrophils) 
• Pregnancy  
• Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal) 
• Lymphoma 
• Breastfeeding 
• Pediatrics 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

No data is available regarding the administration of the drug during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available regarding the excretion of drug in breast milk. 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

Anti-thymocyte globulin is a sterile solution from rabbit cells mixed with human white blood cells. It is used to weaken your body’s immune system. Your immune system typically fights off diseases and infections. But after an organ transplant, like a kidney or liver transplant, your immune system might see the new organ as foreign. It could then attack and reject the transplanted organ. Anti-thymocyte globulin and other medicines help stop this rejection from happening. This helps your new kidney transplant work properly. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

Rabbit proteins that act against human cell markers may lower immune cells. They target T cells, reducing CD4 levels, which could weaken immune responses. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

The medicine reaches its highest level in the blood between 23 and 170 micrograms per milliliter after taking it. It gets removed from the body gradually. 

Elimination and Excretion 

The medicine takes 2 to 3 hours for half of it to be gone. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Giving medicines before treatment may help. These are steroids, pain reducers, and antihistamines. Take them an hour before each infusion. This can make reactions less severe. Use a small filter when giving the intravenous infusion. A high-flow vein is best. Wait at least six hours between the first dose and more doses. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: antithymocyte globulin (Rabbit) 

Pronounced: AN-tee-THY-moh-site GLOB-yoo-lin (RAB-bit) 

Why do we use antithymocyte globulin (Rabbit)? 

Anti-thymocyte globulin injections come from rabbits. They help manage and prevent           rejection after a kidney transplant. These injections work with other medicines. They suppress your immune system, so white blood cells don’t attack the new kidney. This prevents rejection. But suppressing your immune system can also make it harder to fight infections. It would help if you talked to your doctor about the pros and cons before starting this medicine. Only a healthcare professional should give you these injections or oversee their administration.