ATGAM

Drug Name: ATGAM

ATGAM DESCRIPTION:
LYMPHOCYTE IMMUNE GLOBULIN - INJECTION (LIM-foe-site ih-MYOON GLOB-you-lin)

COMMON ATGAM BRAND NAME(S):
Atgam

ATGAM SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea or chills may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: fever, persistent sore throat, easy bleeding or bruising. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: dizziness, joint or muscle pain, back or chest pain, diarrhea, headache, pain or redness at the injection site, sores in the mouth or throat, sores on gentials, unusual sweating, pain or redness in the legs or arms, stomach pain, bloating, mental/mood changes, black or bloody stools, tremors, unusual fatigue. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: seizures, tingling of the hands or feet, fast/slow/irrregular pulse, yellowing eyes, dark urine, change in the amount of urine. An allergic reaction to ATGAM is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ATGAM:
ATGAM: Give ATGAM by vein (IV), usually over at least four hours or as directed by your doctor. A skin test is recommended before the first dose to test for sensitivity to ATGAM. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. You might receive other medications (e.g., antihistamines, corticosteroids, and/or antipyretics), in order to the minimize side effects of ATGAM. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details, including how and when to take additional medications. Follow all instructions for proper dilution with correct IV fluids. Do not shake ATGAM. Follow all safety precautions for ATGAM. Consult your pharmacist for details. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.

ATGAM USES:
ATGAM is used to prevent rejection after organ transplant (e.g., kidney) or to treat certain blood disorders (e.g., aplastic anemia).

ATGAM PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of blood cell problems (e.g., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), previous use of lymphocyte immune globulin, and of any allergies you may have. ATGAM may make you dizzy; use caution when engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages because they can intensify the dizziness effect of ATGAM. ATGAM can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, or persistent sore throat. ATGAM should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if ATGAM passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

ATGAM DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of corticosteroid drugs (e.g., prednisone, methylprednisolone) or other drugs that suppress the immune system (e.g., azathioprine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ATGAM OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

ATGAM NOTES:
Do not share ATGAM with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor for side effects and response to treatment.

MISSED ATGAM DOSE:
It is important to receive ATGAM exactly as prescribed. However, if you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule. If the dose is interrupted, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish new dosing.

ATGAM STORAGE:
Store ampoules in a refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Consult your pharmacist for details regarding the stability of the drug after dilution in correct IV fluids. Discard any unused liquid. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854- 1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.