ATG
Definition | Special instructions | Missed dose | Side effects | Warning signs | Contact us
What is ATG (anti-thymocyte globulin or AtgamÒ)?
ATG (Anti-thymocyte globulin or Atgam) is a medicine used to prevent rejection in different types of transplantation, treatment of graft versus host disease and treatment in certain patients with aplastic anemia. It does this by suppressing the body's own immune system. It is available as an injectable medication.
Special Instructions
- Your child's blood pressure and other vital signs will be checked while this drug is infusing (slowly trickling into the vein). This is because this drug may cause low blood pressure, especially during the infusion.
- Your child will also receive medication to prevent other side effects of ATG during the infusion. These drugs usually consist of acetaminophen, diphenhydramine and/or steroids.
- This product is made by utilizing horse (equine) immune response cells.
- This drug must be filtered and given through a central line, and infused in over at least 4 hours. At Cincinnati Children's the drug is filtered by the pharmacy department before the drug goes to the floor. This will help prevent some of the side effects of the drug.
- If too much medicine is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor immediately.
- Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
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If a dose is missed
For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and/or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
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Side effects
Contact your child's doctor if symptoms persist or become bothersome:
- Back pain
- Itching, redness or rash
- Tiredness
- Sores in the mouth
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Warning signs
Call your child's doctor immediately if your child develops:
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Fever 101.5 once or 100.5 twice in 12 hours
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Black or tarry stools
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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Revised 9/05, 10/07
