Description
Scorpion (Centruroides) immune F(ab)2 injection is used to treat scorpion stings. A scorpion sting may cause abnormal eye movements, increased watering of the mouth, loss of muscle control, shortness of breath, slurred speech, troubled breathing, or vomiting. This medicine is made from horse proteins that have been immunized with the scorpion’s venom.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.
This product is available in the following dosage forms:
- Powder for Solution
Before Using
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of scorpion (Centruroides) immune F(ab)2 injection in children.
Geriatric
Although appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of scorpion (Centruroides) immune F(ab)2 injection have not been performed in the geriatric population, no geriatric-specific problems have been documented to date.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Other Interactions
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Allergy to horse protein or
- Prior use of an antivenom containing horse protein���Use with caution. May increase the likelihood for an allergic reaction.
Proper Use
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
Precautions
Your doctor will check your or your child's progress closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it.
This medicine may cause serious types of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you or your child have a rash; itching; hoarseness; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are receiving this medicine.
Call your doctor or the emergency department right away if you or your child have a delayed allergic reaction or serum sickness, which may occur up to 14 days after receiving this medicine. The symptoms may include a rash, itching skin, fever, general feeling of discomfort or illness, joint or muscle pain, unusual tiredness or weakness, or swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin.
This medicine is made from horse blood. Some horse blood products have transmitted certain viruses to people who have received them. The risk of getting a virus from medicines made from horse blood has been greatly reduced in recent years. This is the result of required testing of horses for certain viruses, and testing during the making of these medicines. Although the risk is low, talk with your doctor if you have concerns.
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
- Chest pain
- confusion
- cough
- dizziness
- fast heartbeat
- feeling of discomfort
- fever or chills
- inflammation of the joints
- itching
- muscle aches
- rash
- shakiness and unsteady walk
- shortness of breath
- sneezing
- sore throat
- swelling of the eye
- swollen lymph glands
- tightness in the chest
- troubled breathing
- unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
- weakness
- wheezing
Incidence not known
- Fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
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. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
- Diarrhea
- difficulty with moving
- headache
- joint pain
- muscle cramping
- muscle pains or stiffness
- nausea
- runny nose
- swollen joints
- unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
- vomiting
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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