lymphocyte immune globulin

Contraindicated in:

History of hypersensitivity during previous courses of therapy or systemic reaction to skin testing;
Hypersensitivity to thimerosal;
Hypersensitivity to equine gamma globulin preparations.

Use Cautiously in:

OB: Pregnancy or lactation (safety not established).

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

CV: chest pain, hypotension

Derm: dermatologic reactions, erythema, itching

GI: diarrhea, nausea, stomatitis, vomiting

Hemat: leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, hemolysis

Local: pain/phlebitis at IV site

MS: arthralgia

Neuro: headache

Resp: dyspnea

Misc: chills, fever, serum sickness–like reactions, ANAPHYLAXISALLERGIC REACTIONS INCLUDING , clotted AV fistula, night sweats

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

Concurrent use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants may mask some adverse reactions.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Injection: 50 mg/mL

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

Skin Test

Intradermal (Adults ): 0.1 mL of 1:1000 dilution (5 mcg of horse serum).

Renal Allograft Recipients

IV (Adults ): 10–30 mg/kg/day for 14 days, then every other day for 14 days.
IV (Children ): 5–25 mg/kg/day for 14 days, then every other day for 14 days.

Aplastic Anemia

IV (Adults ): 10–20 mg/kg/day for 8–14 days, then every other day for 21 doses total.

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

ATG, antilymphocyte globulin, Atgam, LIG

Action ⬆ ⬇

Decreases the circulating number of T lymphocytes, which are involved in both cell-mediated and humoral immunity.

Therapeutic effects:

Resolution of rejection of renal allografts.
Remission of aplastic anemia.

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: Immunosuppressant agents

Pharmacologic Classification: immune globulins

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: IV administration results in complete bioavailability.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-Life: 5.7 days.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(decreased circulating T lymphocytes)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
IV	rapid	unknown	unknown

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Explain the purpose of the medication to the patient.
Instruct patient to notify health care professional promptly if fever; chills; cough; sore throat; signs of infection; bleeding gums; bruising; petechiae; blood in stools, urine, or emesis; numbness, tingling, or burning pain in hands, arms, legs, feet, or lips; increased fatigue; confusion; dizziness; weakness; dyspnea; tachycardia; or orthostatic hypotension occurs. Caution patient to avoid crowds and persons with known infections. Instruct patient to use soft toothbrush and electric razor and to avoid falls. Caution patient not to drink alcoholic beverages or take medication containing aspirin or NSAIDs, because these may precipitate gastric bleeding.
Instruct patient to notify health care professional immediately if signs of hypersensitivity reaction (itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing) occur.
Instruct patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and consult health care professional before taking any new medications.
Advise female patients to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
Advise patient to the importance of follow up lab tests.

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Indications ⬇

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇