Anti-thymocyte Globulin (rabbit) Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 10, 2025.

Applies to anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit): intravenous powder for solution.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Intravenous route (powder for solution)

Antithymocyte globulin rabbit should only be used by physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy in transplantation.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) 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 while taking anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit):

More common side effects

• black, tarry stools
• bladder pain
• bleeding gums
• blurred vision
• chest pain
• chills
• cloudy or bloody urine
• cold
• confusion
• cough or hoarseness
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• frequent urge to urinate
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• headache
• irregular or slow heartbeat
• joint pain
• loss of appetite
• lower back or side pain
• muscle aches and pains
• nausea
• nervousness
• numbness or tingling around the lips, hands, or feet
• painful or difficult urination
• pounding in the ears
• runny nose
• shivering
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• swollen glands
• troubled breathing
• unexplained anxiety
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• weakness or heaviness of the legs

Less common side effects

• burning feeling in chest or stomach tenderness
• burning or stinging of the skin
• indigestion
• inflammation of joints
• painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, or genitals
• stomach upset

Rare side effects

• difficulty swallowing
• hives, itching, rash
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

Other side effects

Some side effects of anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) 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:

More common side effects

• abdominal or stomach pain
• anxiety
• loss of strength or energy
• nausea
• pain
• swelling of the ankles, feet, and fingers
• tightness in the chest

For healthcare professionals

Applies to anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit): intravenous powder for injection.

Cardiovascular adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Hypertension (18%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Tachycardia
• Frequency not reported: Myocardial infarction, hypotension, reduced oxygen supply to tissues, chest pain^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Pyrexia (28%), pain (26%)
• Frequency not reported: Lethargy, malaise^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (18%)
• Frequency not reported: Dizziness, decreased sensitivity^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Leukopenia (63%), anemia (25%), thrombocytopenia (16%), neutropenia
• Common (1% to 10%): Febrile neutropenia^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Constipation (33%), vomiting (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, diarrhea, moniliasis, gastritis, dysphagia
• Frequency not reported: Abdominal tenderness, abdominal discomfort, pain in the mouth and throat^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Urinary tract infection (42%)^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Rash (13%), sweating (13%), acne (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Herpes simplex
• Frequency not reported: Pruritus^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea (28%), lower respiratory tract infection (13%), upper respiratory tract infection (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Nasopharyngitis
• Frequency not reported: Cough, throat irritation, shortness of breath, pulmonary edema^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperphosphatemia, acidosis, hypokalemia, anorexia^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cytokine release syndrome (CRS), anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Infection (31%), cytomegaloviral infection (13%), sepsis (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Herpes zoster, oral candidiasis, sepsis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Serum sickness^[Ref]

Local

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Infusion related reactions
• Frequency not reported: Localized edema^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Myalgia (20%), arthralgia (15%)
• Frequency not reported: Joint pain^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (20%), anxiety (14%)
• Frequency not reported: Confusional state, agitation, restlessness^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Transaminases increased
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hepatocellular injury, hepatotoxicity, hepatic failure^[Ref]

Oncologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Malignancy, lymphomas (which may be virally mediated), neoplasms malignant (solid tumors)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Lymphoproliferative disorder^[Ref]

Further information

Anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer