How do you administer an Atgam?

Dilute ATGAM in saline solution before intravenous infusion. Invert the IV bottle of saline so the undiluted ATGAM does not contact the air inside. Ideally the concentration should not exceed 4 mg of ATGAM per mL of saline. Add the total daily dose of ATGAM to one of the following sterile intravenous diluents.

What is lymphocyte immune globulin?

Lymphocyte immune globulin, anti-thymocyte globulin is a special antibody that is used to treat aplastic anemia and graft-versus-host disease in patients having a stem cell transplant. It is given intravenously (IV).

Who manufactures Atgam?

ATGAM® (lymphocyte immune globulin, anti-thymocyte globulin [equine] sterile solution)

What is Antithymocyte globulin used for?

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.

How long does it take Atgam 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.

Is Atgam hazardous?

Inform patients that Atgam may cause serious allergic reactions, infection or abnormal liver or renal function. Advise the patient to discontinue Atgam and seek immediate medical attention if any signs/symptoms of an allergic or immune reaction occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

How much does Antithymocyte globulin cost?

The costs for basiliximab and antithymocyte globulin were calculated based on average wholesale prices (AWP). The price of basiliximab was $1224 per dose and the price of antithymocyte globulin was $262.24 per 250 mg ampoule [9].

What is Atgam made from?

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

How much do transplant drugs cost?

Antirejection medications are critical in maintaining the transplanted organ. During the first year after transplant, anti-rejection drugs can cost from $1,500 to 1,800 per month. After the first year, the costs are reduced significantly.

How much does immunosuppressants cost?

The average cost of immunosuppressants is between $10,000 to $14,000 per year (4).

Is thymoglobulin an ATG?

Two antithymocyte globulin (ATG) agents licensed for clinical use in the United States are Thymoglobulin (rabbit ATG, rATG, Genzyme) and Atgam (equine ATG, eATG, Pfizer).

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.

Does Medicare pay for transplant drugs?

Medicare may cover transplant surgery as a hospital inpatient service under Part A. Medicare covers immunosuppressive drugs if the transplant was covered by Medicare or an employer or union group health plan was required to pay before Medicare paid for the transplant.

Does Medicare pay for transplant?

What Does Medicare Cover If You Need an Organ Transplant? Medicare covers most medical and hospital services related to organ transplantation. Cornea, heart, intestine, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, and stem cell transplants are all covered under Medicare.

Does Medicare pay for immunosuppressive drugs?

Immunosuppressive drugs are covered by Medicare Part B for beneficiaries who have had organ transplants. The Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs) frequently receive questions regarding under what circumstances immunosuppressive drug therapy is covered.

What is Atgam?

It is the purified, concentrated, and sterile gamma globulin, primarily monomeric IgG, from hyperimmune serum of horses immunized with human thymus lymphocytes. ATGAM is a transparent to slightly opalescent aqueous protein solution. It may appear colorless to faintly pink or brown and is nearly odorless.

What is the color of Atgam?

However, because Atgam is a gamma globulin product, it can be transparent to slightly opalescent, colorless to faintly pink or brown, and may develop a slight granular or flaky deposit during storage. Do not shake Atgam (diluted or undiluted) because excessive foaming and/or denaturation of the protein may occur.

Is Atgam useful in patients with aplastic anemia?

The usefulness of ATGAM has not been demonstrated in patients with aplastic anemia who are suitable candidates for bone marrow transplantation or in patients with aplastic anemia secondary to neoplastic disease, storage disease, myelofibrosis, Fanconi’s syndrome, or in patients known to have been exposed to myelotoxic agents or radiation.

What is Atgam sterile solution for horses?

ATGAM Sterile Solution contains lymphocyte immune globulin, anti-thymocyte globulin [equine]. It is the purified, concentrated, and sterile gamma globulin, primarily monomeric IgG, from hyperimmune serum of horses immunized with human thymus lymphocytes.