Crotalidae immune f(ab)2 (equine) (Intravenous)

Crotalidae immune f(ab)2 (equine) injection is used to treat poisoning from the bite of a North American Pit Viper. This medicine is part of a group known as immunizing agents.

This medicine should only be given by your doctor or under their immediate supervision.

Your doctor will closely monitor you or your child while receiving this medicine. This will help ensure the medicine is effective and not causing any unwanted effects. Blood tests may be required to check for these unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and needs immediate medical attention. Inform your doctor right away if you or your child develops a rash, itching, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, joint or muscle pain, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of the hands, face, or mouth after the injection.

Contact your doctor immediately if you or your child experiences muscle or joint pain, fever, itching, or rash after receiving this medicine. These could be signs of a delayed allergic reaction known as serum sickness.

This medicine is made from horse plasma. Some horse blood products have been linked to the transmission of viruses to people who received them, although the risk is low. Discuss any symptoms that concern you with your doctor.

Notify your doctor right away if you or your child experiences unusual bleeding or bruising, blood in the urine or stool, heavy menstrual bleeding, or nosebleeds after receiving this medicine.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks of taking the medicine against the benefits it will provide. For this medicine, keep the following points in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also let your healthcare professional know about any other allergies you may have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Research conducted so far has not shown any specific problems in children that would limit the usefulness of Anavip®.

Geriatric

Research conducted so far has not shown any specific problems in the elderly that would limit the usefulness of Anavip®.

Breast Feeding

There are no sufficient studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication while breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while others may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these situations, your doctor may need to adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional about any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines you are taking.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken around the time of eating food or specific types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may impact the use of this medicine. Make sure to inform your doctor about any other medical problems you have, especially:

• Allergy to cresol or
• Allergy to horses or horse blood products—This may increase the risk of more serious side effects.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine can cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may need medical attention.

Contact your doctor or nurse right away if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• Difficulty moving
• Flushing or redness of the skin
• Itching skin or rash
• Muscle pain or stiffness
• Nausea
• Pain in the joints
• Tingling in the hands or feet
• Unusual weight gain or loss
• Unusually warm skin
• Vomiting

Less common

• Black, tarry stools
• Bleeding gums
• Blood in the urine or stools
• Chills
• Confusion
• Decreased urination
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Fainting
• Fever
• Increased heart rate
• Lightheadedness
• Pinpoint red spots on the skin
• Rapid breathing
• Sunken eyes
• Thirst
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Wrinkled skin

Incidence not known

• Break in the skin, especially with blue-black discoloration, swelling, or drainage of fluid
• Chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• Hives or welts
• Hoarseness
• Irritation
• Joint stiffness or swelling
• Trouble breathing or swallowing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you how to prevent or lessen some of these side effects. Contact your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Headache
• Pain in the arms or legs

Less common

• Fear or nervousness
• Trouble sleeping

Other side effects not listed may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, consult your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Anavip

Available Dosage Forms:

• Powder for Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antivenom

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you or your child this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins. The medicine must be injected slowly, so your IV tube will need to stay in place for at least 60 minutes.