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Grafalon 20mg Injection
Prescription Required
Salt Composition : Antithymocyte Immunoglobulins
Manufacturer : ZYDUS CADILA
Origin of Medicine : India
1 Vial(s)
Introduction to Grafalon 20mg Injection
Grafalon 20mg Injection contains the active component of Thymoglobuline. They belong to a group of medicines called immunosuppressants (anti-rejection medicines). These medicines can help prevent the rejection of transplanted organs and can also be used to treat other unwanted immune reactions. It is also used in the treatment of moderate to severe aplastic anaemia (bone marrow failure) in patients unsuitable for bone marrow transplantation.
Thymoglobuline is produced by injecting human thymus cells into rabbits. It is used especially in patients who have undergone kidney or heart transplant procedures to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ. Additionally, it is employed in treating kidney transplant rejection in patients who do not respond to corticosteroid treatment.
It is not recommended to take Grafalon 20mg Injection if you are allergic to Grafalon 20mg Injection, rabbits, or any of their other ingredients. It is not advised if you have a severe infection because Grafalon 20mg Injection decrease your body’s ability to fight infections.
Inform your doctor if you have any blood disorder, fever, or infection before this treatment. Do not get your vaccination during or soon after the treatment with this medication without discussing it with your doctor. Before starting the treatment, give a detailed account of your medical history and medications.
Uses of Grafalon 20mg Injection
Uses of Grafalon 20mg Injection
- Kidney and heart transplantation
- Aplastic anemia
Therapeutic Effects of Grafalon 20mg Injection
Grafalon 20mg Injection (ATI) contains antibodies that bind to specific immune cells involved in organ rejection or unwanted immune reactions. By targeting these cells, ATI suppresses the immune response, aiding in the acceptance of transplanted organs and treating conditions like aplastic anaemia. It achieves this by depleting circulating lymphocytes, particularly T lymphocytes, through various mechanisms such as complement-dependent lysis and activation-induced apoptosis. Additionally, ATI may induce T lymphocyte anergy, further contributing to immunosuppression.
Interaction of Grafalon 20mg Injection with other drugs
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Grafalon 20mg Injection and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects, especially any antirejection drugs or immunosuppressants. Such as azathioprine or corticosteroids. This is because if the body’s defence system is reduced too much, severe infections may occur. It may also
increase the risk of developing cancer in the future.
More Information about Grafalon 20mg Injection
- Store Grafalon 20mg Injection in the refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C.
- Keep it in its original packaging.
- Protect it from light and moisture.
- Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
How to consume Grafalon 20mg Injection
Grafalon 20mg Injection will be given to you by your healthcare provider in a hospital. It is injected directly into a vein (intravenous infusion) through a plastic tube (catheter). Your healthcare provider determines the dose, duration, and frequency based on your age, body weight, and severity of your condition.
Safety Advices for Grafalon 20mg Injection
Pregnancy
Grafalon 20mg Injection effects in pregnant mothers are unknown. Hence this medication is not advised unless considered necessary by you doctor. Inform your doctor promptly if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy, or think you may get pregnant before starting the treatment with Grafalon 20mg Injection.
Breast Feeding
Grafalon 20mg Injection are not recommended while breastfeeding since it pass through breast milk and may affect your baby. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before starting the treatment with Grafalon 20mg Injection.
Lungs
Grafalon 20mg Injection can cause side effects like difficulty breathing, wheezing, or coughing. Inform your doctor if you have ever had lung disorders before starting the treatment, as its symptoms may worsen with Grafalon 20mg Injection.
Liver
Grafalon 20mg Injection may impact the normal function of the liver, resulting in a temporary rise in liver function test levels. While this often doesn't produce symptoms and typically resolves without intervention, it is crucial to inform your healthcare provider if you have pre-existing liver issues before starting this treatment to prevent potentially serious side effects.
Alcohol
It is unlikely that drinking alcohol affects Grafalon 20mg Injection. However, it is generally recommended that avoid or limit your alcohol intake, as alcohol can enhance the risk of liver damage and exacerbate any liver-related side effects of Grafalon 20mg Injection.
Driving
Grafalon 20mg Injection may impair your ability to drive, cycle, or operate machinery. Avoid doing so until the treatment.
Side Effects of Grafalon 20mg Injection
Side effects are unwanted symptoms that occur due to medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Serious
- A raised, itchy rash
- Difficulty in breathing
- Stomach pain
- Swelling of the face, tongue or throat
Common
- Low white blood cell count; low platelet count
- Fever
- Infection
- Low count of red blood cells (anaemia)
Word of Advice
Close infection surveillance is essential due to the increased risk associated with immunosuppression. Regular monitoring of liver function, kidney function, and blood counts is advised to detect any potential hepatotoxicity, drug-induced liver injury, renal dysfunction, or blood disorders. Infusion-related reactions should be anticipated and managed appropriately.
Infusion-related side effects ( Difficulty breathing, wheezing or coughing, Feeling or being sick, Dizzy or feeling faint, Tiredness, Joint pain, Headache, Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, Irregular or fast heartbeat. Symptoms of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, mouth ulcers
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before taking it. Pediatric and geriatric patients require special consideration. Psychological effects should be monitored, and close consultation with healthcare professionals is necessary to ensure safe and effective use of it. Open communication and collaboration with your healthcare team are key to ensuring the safest and most effective medication use.
FAQs
Q 1. What are Grafalon 20mg Injection (ATI), and how do they work?
Grafalon 20mg Injection a medication containing antibodies that target specific immune cells involved in organ rejection or unwanted immune reactions. They suppress the immune response, aiding in the acceptance of transplanted organs and treating conditions like aplastic anaemia by depleting circulating lymphocytes, particularly T lymphocytes.
Q 2. What specific tests are required for patients undergoing Grafalon 20mg Injection (ATI) therapy?
Patients undergoing ATI therapy typically require several tests, including infection surveillance for signs of bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, liver function tests to monitor liver enzyme levels, kidney function tests such as serum creatinine measurements, and regular blood counts to detect abnormalities like leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, or anaemia.
Q 3. Can I receive vaccinations while undergoing treatment with Grafalon 20mg Injection?
It is not recommended to receive vaccinations during or soon after treatment with Grafalon 20mg Injection without discussing it with your doctor. This is because immunosuppressants like ATI can decrease your body's ability to respond to vaccinations, potentially causing side effects or reducing their effectiveness.
Q 4. Can Grafalon 20mg Injection interact with other medications?
Yes, Grafalon 20mg Injection may interact with other medications, especially antirejection drugs or immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or corticosteroids. It's crucial to inform your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products to avoid potential interactions.
Q 5. How is Grafalon 20mg Injection administered?
Grafalon 20mg Injection are administered intravenously through a plastic tube (catheter) directly into the bloodstream, typically in a hospital setting. The dose, duration, and frequency of administration are determined by your healthcare provider based on various factors, including your age, body weight, and the severity of your condition.
Fact Box of Grafalon 20mg Injection
Molecule name: Grafalon 20mg Injection | Therapeutic class: Anti-rejection |
Pharmacological class: Immunosuppressants | Indications: 1. Kidney and heart transplantation 2. Aplastic anemia |
Dosage form: Injections | Habit forming: No |
References
- Sanofi Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on Sep 2023] [Accessed on Feb 2024], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6238.pdf
- Pfizer, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), [Revised on Sep 2023], [Accessed on Feb 2024], https://www.fda.gov/media/78206/download?attachment
- S.E. Marshall, Immunological Factors in Disease, Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 71-96.
Disclaimer
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