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Anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) injection may cause serious reactions. A doctor will monitor you closely during your treatment with this medication.
WHY is this medicine prescribed?
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.
HOW should this medicine be used?
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.
Are there OTHER USES for this medication?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before receiving anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) injection,
What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the HOW section, call your doctor immediately:
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 (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at http://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:
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
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.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2026. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: February 15, 2026.