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.
- 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.
- This medication is usually given in the hospital.
- 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.
- Keep this medication out of the reach of children.