What is the purpose of ATG?

What is the purpose of ATG?

Introduction. Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is an antibody preparation derived from rabbits or horses hyperimmunized with human thymocytes, which is used to prevent or treat acute cellular rejection after solid organ transplantation and as a therapy of acute aplastic anemia.

What is the drug called rabbit?

Anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) injection is used together with other medicines to prevent and treat the body from rejecting a transplanted kidney. This medicine is an immunosuppressant. When a patient receives an organ transplant, the body’s white blood cells will try to get rid of (reject) the transplanted organ.

How is rabbit thymoglobulin made?

Thymoglobulin is made by taking donated human white blood cells (T-lymphocytes) and injecting them into a rabbit. The rabbit’s blood makes its own antibodies (a blood protein) against these T-lymphocytes. These antibodies are then taken from the rabbit’s blood and made into Thymoglobulin.

How long does thymoglobulin last?

2.1 Dosing Information The usual duration of administration is 4 to 7 days. The recommended dosage of THYMOGLOBULIN for treatment of acute rejection in patients receiving a kidney transplant is 1.5 mg/kg of body weight administered daily for 7 to 14 days.

How long does it take for ATG to work?

If it works, ATG usually stops the need for blood transfusions within 3 months. Full success can take at least 9 months. Some patients may respond initially, but may later relapse and need another treatment.

Does ATG cure aplastic anemia?

Immunosuppressive therapy with antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and cyclosporine is the standard treatment for patients with severe aplastic anemia who do not have a human leukocyte antigen-matched related donor; it leads to a response rate of 60 to 70%.

How much does Thymoglobulin cost?

The average retail price of Thymoglobulin is $889.07 per 1, 25MG Solution Reconstituted, but you can pay only $973.24 with your SingleCare savings card to show the Thymoglobulin coupon.

Does ATG cause infertility?

Currently, there are no birth defects or infertility issues associated with taking ATG and cyclosporine. With these two drugs and an HLA matched sibling bone marrow transplant, they can preserve fertility.

What are the side effects of ATG and cyclosporine?

Cyclosporine is typically used in combination with ATG to treat acquired aplastic anemia….Some common side effects include:

• Tremors or shaking.
• Nausea.
• Diarrhea.
• High blood pressure.
• Kidney problems.
• Loss of magnesium or potassium.
• Liver inflammation.
• Increased hair growth.

Does aplastic anemia ever go away?

The only cure for aplastic anemia is a bone marrow transplant.