Note: This document contains side effect information about anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit). Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Thymoglobulin.
Applies to anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit): intravenous powder for solution.
Warning
Intravenous route (Powder for Solution)
Antithymocyte globulin rabbit should only be used by physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy in transplantation.
Serious side effects of Thymoglobulin
Along with its needed effects, anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit):
More common
- Black, tarry stools
- bladder pain
- bleeding gums
- blurred vision
- chest pain
- chills
- cloudy or bloody urine
- cold
- confusion
- cough or hoarseness
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- fast heartbeat
- fever
- frequent urge to urinate
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- headache
- irregular or slow heartbeat
- joint pain
- loss of appetite
- lower back or side pain
- muscle aches and pains
- nausea
- nervousness
- numbness or tingling around the lips, hands, or feet
- painful or difficult urination
- pounding in the ears
- runny nose
- shivering
- sore throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
- swollen glands
- troubled breathing
- unexplained anxiety
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
- weakness or heaviness of the legs
Less common
- Burning feeling in chest or stomach tenderness
- burning or stinging of the skin
- indigestion
- inflammation of joints
- painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, or genitals
- stomach upset
Rare
- Difficulty swallowing
- hives, itching, rash
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
Other side effects of Thymoglobulin
Some side effects of anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- anxiety
- loss of strength or energy
- nausea
- pain
- swelling of the ankles, feet, and fingers
- tightness in the chest
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit): intravenous powder for injection.
Cardiovascular
Very common (10% or more): Hypertension (18%)
Common (1% to 10%): Tachycardia
Frequency not reported: Myocardial infarction, hypotension, reduced oxygen supply to tissues, chest pain[Ref]
Other
Very common (10% or more): Pyrexia (28%), pain (26%)
Frequency not reported: Lethargy, malaise[Ref]
Nervous system
Very common (10% or more): Headache (18%)
Frequency not reported: Dizziness, decreased sensitivity[Ref]
Hematologic
Very common (10% or more): Leukopenia (63%), anemia (25%), thrombocytopenia (16%), neutropenia
Common (1% to 10%): Febrile neutropenia[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Constipation (33%), vomiting (12%)
Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, diarrhea, moniliasis, gastritis, dysphagia
Frequency not reported: Abdominal tenderness, abdominal discomfort, pain in the mouth and throat[Ref]
Genitourinary
Very common (10% or more): Urinary tract infection (42%)[Ref]
Dermatologic
Very common (10% or more): Rash (13%), sweating (13%), acne (12%)
Common (1% to 10%): Herpes simplex
Frequency not reported: Pruritus[Ref]
Respiratory
Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea (28%), lower respiratory tract infection (13%), upper respiratory tract infection (11%)
Common (1% to 10%): Nasopharyngitis
Frequency not reported: Cough, throat irritation, shortness of breath, pulmonary edema[Ref]
Metabolic
Common (1% to 10%): Hyperphosphatemia, acidosis, hypokalemia, anorexia[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cytokine release syndrome (CRS), anaphylaxis[Ref]
Immunologic
Very common (10% or more): Infection (31%), cytomegaloviral infection (13%), sepsis (12%)
Common (1% to 10%): Herpes zoster, oral candidiasis, sepsis
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Serum sickness[Ref]
Local
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Infusion related reactions
Frequency not reported: Localized edema[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Very common (10% or more): Myalgia (20%), arthralgia (15%)
Frequency not reported: Joint pain[Ref]
Psychiatric
Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (20%), anxiety (14%)
Frequency not reported: Confusional state, agitation, restlessness[Ref]
Hepatic
Common (1% to 10%): Transaminases increased
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hepatocellular injury, hepatotoxicity, hepatic failure[Ref]
Oncologic
Common (1% to 10%): Malignancy, lymphomas (which may be virally mediated), neoplasms malignant (solid tumors)
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Lymphoproliferative disorder[Ref]
