Uses of Antithymocyte Globulin:

• It is used after a kidney transplant to keep the body from rejecting the kidney.
• It is used to treat aplastic anemia.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Antithymocyte Globulin?

• If you have an allergy to lymphocytic immune globulin, horse proteins, or any other part of antithymocyte globulin (equine).
• If you are allergic to antithymocyte globulin (equine); any part of antithymocyte globulin (equine); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take antithymocyte globulin (equine) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Antithymocyte Globulin?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take antithymocyte globulin (equine). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• You may have more chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu.
• You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
• This medicine is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may have viruses that may cause disease. This medicine is screened, tested, and treated to lower the chance that it carries an infection. Talk with the doctor.
• Talk with your doctor if you have recently had a vaccine or before getting any vaccines. Vaccine use with antithymocyte globulin (equine) may either raise the chance of an infection or make the vaccine not work as well.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using antithymocyte globulin (equine) while you are pregnant.

How is this medicine (Antithymocyte Globulin) best taken?

Use antithymocyte globulin (equine) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
• Fast or slow heartbeat.
• Shortness of breath.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
• Swelling.
• Sweating a lot.
• Muscle pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Belly pain.

What are some other side effects of Antithymocyte Globulin?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Headache.
• Joint pain.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Antithymocyte Globulin?

• If you need to store antithymocyte globulin (equine) at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about antithymocyte globulin (equine), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.