horse anti-human T lymphocyte immunoglobulin at a glance
Medicine class
Selective immunosuppressant made from horse-derived antibodies.
Licensed use
Acquired moderate to severe aplastic anaemia in adults and children aged 2 years and over in specified transplant circumstances.
How it is given
A diluted intravenous infusion administered in a suitably equipped hospital under continuous observation.
What is horse anti-human T lymphocyte immunoglobulin used for?
The selected UK product is licensed as part of standard immunosuppressive therapy.
Treatment of acquired moderate to severe aplastic anaemia of known or suspected immune origin in adults and children aged 2 years and over who are unsuitable for haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation or lack a suitable donor.
How does horse anti-human T lymphocyte immunoglobulin work?
Its antibodies bind to several proteins on immune cells and chiefly reduce circulating lymphocytes, particularly T lymphocytes. This suppresses immune activity that may be damaging bone-marrow cells, allowing blood-cell production to recover in some people.
horse anti-human T lymphocyte immunoglobulin preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 50 mg/mL
How to take horse anti-human T lymphocyte immunoglobulin
This treatment is not taken by mouth. It is prepared and administered by trained healthcare professionals as an intravenous infusion in hospital.
The concentrate must be diluted and given through an in-line filter, preferably into a high-flow central vein.
The solution and container are checked before administration, and the patient is observed for allergic and infusion-related reactions.
Food does not affect administration because the treatment is given intravenously.
horse anti-human T lymphocyte immunoglobulin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Infections or reduced white blood cells
- Serum sickness, which may cause fever, rash, swollen glands and painful joints
- Headache, fever or chills
- Rash and joint pain
- Diarrhoea
- High blood pressure
- Pain or swelling
- Abnormal liver-function tests
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, including breathing difficulty, low blood pressure or collapse
- Cytokine-release syndrome, which may cause fever, swelling, chills, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure and breathing difficulty
- Serious infection or sepsis
- Severe skin blistering or peeling
- Seizure, fainting or marked confusion
- Severe or persistent falls in neutrophils or platelets
horse anti-human T lymphocyte immunoglobulin in pregnancy
Pregnancy experience is limited, so use is preferably avoided as a precaution. Anyone who is pregnant, could be pregnant or is planning pregnancy should discuss this promptly with the specialist team; effective contraception is advised during treatment and for up to 10 weeks afterwards.
horse anti-human T lymphocyte immunoglobulin while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether the antibodies pass into human milk, and risk to a breastfed child cannot be excluded. The specialist team and parent should decide whether to pause breastfeeding or avoid treatment after weighing the benefits of each.
horse anti-human T lymphocyte immunoglobulin interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed. The specialist team should review all medicines and planned vaccinations.
Vaccines
Vaccination during treatment is not recommended because immune suppression may reduce vaccine effectiveness; timing should be agreed with the specialist team.
Other immunosuppressants, including ciclosporin
Combined immune suppression can increase infection risk and requires close specialist monitoring.
Corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants being reduced
Previously masked reactions may become apparent during dose reduction, so continued observation is required.
Common questions about horse anti-human T lymphocyte immunoglobulin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is horse anti-human T lymphocyte immunoglobulin used for?
It is licensed as part of immunosuppressive treatment for acquired moderate to severe aplastic anaemia in specified patients who cannot receive a suitable stem-cell transplant.
Is horse anti-human T lymphocyte immunoglobulin chemotherapy?
It is an immunosuppressive antibody treatment rather than conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy. It chiefly targets lymphocytes involved in immune activity.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.