Anthrax Immune Globulin IV (Human)
Class: Antitoxins and Immune Globulins
Brands: Anthrasil
Warning
Warning: Interactions With Glucose Monitoring Systems And Thrombosis.
See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
Maltose in immune globulin products, including anthrax immune globulin IV (human), may give falsely high blood glucose levels with some blood point-of-care glucose testing systems (for example, those based on the GDH-PQQ or glucose-dye-oxidoreductase methods) resulting in inappropriate administration of insulin and life-threatening hypoglycemia. To avoid interference by maltose contained in anthrax immune globulin IV (human), perform blood glucose measurements in patients receiving anthrax immune globulin IV (human) with a glucose-specific method (monitor and test strips).
Thrombosis may occur with immune globulin products, including anthrax immune globulin IV (human). Risk factors may include advanced age, prolonged immobilization, hypercoagulable conditions, history of venous or arterial thrombosis, use of estrogens, indwelling vascular catheters, hyperviscosity, and cardiovascular risk factors. Thrombosis may occur in the absence of known risk factors.
For patients at risk of thrombosis, administer anthrax immune globulin IV (human) at the minimum infusion rate practicable. Ensure adequate hydration in patients before administration. Monitor for signs and symptoms of thrombosis and assess blood viscosity in patients at risk of hyperviscosity.
Introduction
Anthrax immune globulin IV (human) is a specific immune globulin (hyperimmune globulin) that contains immunoglobulin G (IgG) prepared from plasma of healthy donors immunized with anthrax vaccine adsorbed to achieve high titers of anti-anthrax antibody. The immune globulin contains polyclonal antibodies that bind the protective antigen (PA) component of Bacillus anthracis lethal and edema toxins.
Uses for Anthrax Immune Globulin IV (Human)
Anthrax immune globulin IV (human) has the following uses:
Anthrax immune globulin IV (human) is indicated for the treatment of inhalational anthrax in adult and pediatric patients in combination with appropriate antibacterial drugs.
Anthrax immune globulin IV (human) has the following limitations of use:
The effectiveness of anthrax immune globulin IV (human) is based solely on efficacy studies conducted in animal models of inhalational anthrax.
Anthrax immune globulin IV (human) does not have any direct antibacterial activity.
Anthrax immune globulin IV (human) does not cross the blood-brain barrier and does not prevent or treat meningitis.
There have been no studies of anthrax immune globulin IV (human) in pediatric, geriatric, or obese populations.
Anthrax Immune Globulin IV (Human) Dosage and Administration
General
Anthrax immune globulin IV (human) is available in the following dosage form(s) and strength(s):
Single-use vials containing a minimum potency of ≥60 units by toxin neutralization assay (TNA).
