Thymoglobulin

Anti-thymocyte Globulin (Rabbit) · Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, For Solution · Intravenous

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE THYMOGLOBULIN is indicated for the prophylaxis and treatment of acute rejection in adult and pediatric patients receiving a kidney transplant in conjunction with concomitant immunosuppression. THYMOGLOBULIN is an immunoglobulin G indicated for the prophylaxis and treatment of acute rejection in adult and pediatric patients receiving a kidney transplant in conjunction with concomitant immunosuppression. ( 1 )

Dosage and administration

The first dose should be infused over at least 6 hours; doses on subsequent days should be infused over at least 4 hours. ( 2.2 ) Premedication with corticosteroids, acetaminophen, and/or an antihistamine prior to each infusion is recommended. ( 2.2 ) The THYMOGLOBULIN dose should be reduced by one-half if the white blood cell (WBC) count is between 2,000 and 3,000 cells/mm 3 or if the platelet count is between 50,000 and 75,000 cells/mm 3 . Stopping THYMOGLOBULIN treatment should be considered if the WBC count falls below 2,000 cells/mm 3 or if the platelet count falls below 50,000 cells/mm 3 . ( 2.3 ) Indication Dose Prophylaxis of acute rejection 1.5 mg/kg of body weight administered daily for 4 to 7 days Treatment of acute rejection 1.5 mg/kg of body weight administered daily for 7 to 14 days For complete dosing instructions, see full prescribing information. ( 2 ) 2.1 Dosing Information For intravenous use only Prophylaxis of Acute Rejection The recommended dosage of THYMOGLOBULIN for prophylaxis of acute rejection in patients receiving a kidney transplant is 1.5 mg/kg of body weight administered daily with the first dose initiated prior to reperfusion of the donor kidney. The usual duration of administration is 4 to 7 days. Treatment of Acute Rejection The recommended dosage of THYMOGLOBULIN for treatment of acute rejection in patients receiving a kidney transplant is 1.5 mg/kg of body weight administered daily for 7 to 14 days. Dosing for THYMOGLOBULIN is different from dosing for other anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) products because protein composition and concentrations vary depending on the source of ATG. The prescribing physician must ensure that the dose prescribed is appropriate for the ATG product being administered. 2.2 Recommended Dosing Regimen Administer the first dose of THYMOGLOBULIN over a minimum of 6 hours; administer doses on subsequent days over at least 4 hours [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Premedicate with corticosteroids, acetaminophen, and/or an antihistamine 1 hour prior to each infusion of THYMOGLOBULIN to reduce the incidence and intensity of infusion-related reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . 2.3 Dose Modifications Monitor patients for adverse reactions during and after infusion. Monitor total white blood cell and platelet counts during and after THYMOGLOBULIN therapy. Reduce the THYMOGLOBULIN dose by one-half if the white blood cell (WBC) count is between 2,000 and 3,000 cells/mm 3 or if the platelet count is between 50,000 and 75,000 cells/mm 3 . Consider stopping THYMOGLOBULIN treatment if the WBC count falls below 2,000 cells/mm 3 or if the platelet count falls below 50,000 cells/mm 3 . 2.4 Recommended Concomitant Medication THYMOGLOBULIN is used with concomitant immunosuppressants. Administer prophylactic antifungal and antibacterial therapy if clinically indicated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Antiviral prophylactic therapy is recommended for patients who are seropositive for cytomegalovirus (CMV) at the time of transplant and for CMV-seronegative patients scheduled to receive a kidney from a CMV-seropositive donor [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. 2.5 Instructions for Dilution and Administration Reconstitution After calculating the number of vials needed, using aseptic technique, reconstitute each vial of THYMOGLOBULIN with 5 mL of Sterile Water for Injection, USP (SWFI). Allow THYMOGLOBULIN vials to reach room temperature before reconstituting the lyophilized product. Aseptically remove caps to expose rubber stoppers. Clean stoppers with germicidal or alcohol swab. Aseptically reconstitute each vial of THYMOGLOBULIN lyophilized powder with the 5 mL of SWFI. Rotate vial gently until powder is completely dissolved. Each reconstituted vial contains 25 mg or 5 mg/mL of THYMOGLOBULIN. Inspect solution for particulate matter after reconstitution. Should some particulate matter remain, continue to gently rotate the vial until no particulate matter is visible. If particulate matter persists, discard this vial. Dilution Transfer the contents of the calculated number of THYMOGLOBULIN vials into the bag of infusion solution (saline or dextrose). Recommended volume: per one vial of THYMOGLOBULIN use 50 mL of infusion solution (total volume usually between 50 to 500 mL). Discard unused portion. Mix the solution by inverting the bag gently only once or twice. Infusion Administer THYMOGLOBULIN under strict medical supervision in a hospital setting, and carefully monitor patients during the infusion. THYMOGLOBULIN is less likely to produce side effects when administered at the recommended flow rate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the infusion administration set. Infuse through a 0.22 micrometer filter into a high-flow vein. Set the flow rate to deliver the dose over a minimum of 6 hours for the first dose and over at least 4 hours for subsequent doses.

Dosage forms and strengths

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS THYMOGLOBULIN for injection: 25 mg anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) as a sterile lyophilized powder, in single-dose 10 mL vials for reconstitution. Single-dose 10 mL vial containing 25 mg of anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit) lyophilized, sterile powder. ( 3 )

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS THYMOGLOBULIN is contraindicated in patients with history of allergy or anaphylactic reaction to rabbit proteins or to any product excipients, or who have active acute or chronic infections that contraindicate any additional immunosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 , 5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Allergy or anaphylactic reaction to rabbit proteins or to any product excipients, or active acute or chronic infections which contraindicate any additional immunosuppression ( 4 )

Warnings and precautions

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS THYMOGLOBULIN should only be used by physicians experienced in immunosuppressant therapy in transplantation. ( 5.1 ) Hypersensitivity and infusion-related reactions: THYMOGLOBULIN infusion could result in an anaphylactic reaction. Close compliance with the recommended infusion time may reduce the incidence and severity of infusion-related reactions. ( 5.2 ) Cytopenias including anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia have occurred with THYMOGLOBULIN administration ( 6 ) and require monitoring of blood counts. Adjust dose accordingly to reverse cytopenias. Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) has occurred in patients treated with THYMOGLOBULIN for kidney transplantation, particularly when concomitantly administered with calcineurin inhibitors. ( 5.3 ) Infection: Infections and reactivation of infections have been reported. Monitor patients and administer anti-infective prophylaxis. ( 5.4 ) Malignancy: Incidence of malignancies may increase. ( 5.5 ) Immunization with attenuated live vaccines is not recommended for patients who have recently received THYMOGLOBULIN. ( 5.6 ) THYMOGLOBULIN may interfere with rabbit antibody–based immunoassays and with cross-match or panel-reactive antibody cytotoxicity assays. ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Management of Immunosuppression To prevent over-immunosuppression, physicians may wish to decrease the dose of the maintenance immunosuppression regimen during the period of THYMOGLOBULIN use. 5.2 Hypersensitivity and Infusion-Related Reactions Severe hypersensitivity and infusion-related reactions, including fatal anaphylaxis and severe cytokine release syndrome (CRS), have been reported with the use of THYMOGLOBULIN [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Severe acute CRS can cause serious cardiorespiratory events and/or death. Close compliance with the recommended dosage and infusion time may reduce the incidence and severity of infusion-related reactions. Slowing the infusion rate may minimize the risk of infusion-related reactions. If a hypersensitivity or infusion-related reaction occurs, terminate the infusion immediately and provide supportive treatment according to clinical practice. 5.3 Cytopenias Cytopenias including anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia have occurred with THYMOGLOBULIN administration [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Monitor blood counts after THYMOGLOBULIN administration. Adjust dose accordingly to reverse cytopenias [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) has occurred in patients treated with THYMOGLOBULIN for kidney transplantation, particularly when concomitantly administered with calcineurin inhibitors. 5.4 Infection THYMOGLOBULIN is routinely used in combination with other immunosuppressive agents. Infections (bacterial, fungal, viral and protozoal), reactivation of infection (particularly cytomegalovirus [CMV]) and sepsis have been reported after THYMOGLOBULIN administration in combination with multiple immunosuppressive agents [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] . These infections can be fatal. Monitor patients carefully and administer appropriate anti-infective treatment when indicated [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . 5.5 Malignancy Malignancies with fatal outcomes have been reported in patients treated with THYMOGLOBULIN [see Adverse Reactions (6) ]. Use of immunosuppressive agents, including THYMOGLOBULIN, may increase the risk of malignancies, including lymphoma or lymphoproliferative disorders. 5.6 Immunizations The safety of immunization with attenuated live vaccines following THYMOGLOBULIN therapy has not been studied; therefore, immunization with attenuated live vaccines is not recommended for patients who have recently received THYMOGLOBULIN. 5.7 Laboratory Tests THYMOGLOBULIN may interfere with rabbit antibody–based immunoassays and with cross-match or panel-reactive antibody cytotoxicity assays. THYMOGLOBULIN has not been shown to interfere with any routine clinical laboratory tests that do not use immunoglobulins.

Side effects

The most common adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities (incidence >5% higher than comparator) are urinary tract infection, abdominal pain, hypertension, nausea, shortness of breath, fever, headache, anxiety, chills, increased potassium levels in the blood, low counts of platelets and white blood cells. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Genzyme Corporation at 1-800-633-1610 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The most common adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities (incidence >5% higher than comparator) are urinary tract infection, abdominal pain, hypertension, nausea, shortness of breath, fever, headache, anxiety, chills, increased potassium levels in the blood, and low counts of platelets and white blood cells. Prophylaxis of Acute Rejection The safety of THYMOGLOBULIN compared to Active Comparator for the prophylaxis of acute rejection in patients receiving a kidney transplant were evaluated in a randomized, open-label, international, multicenter trial in patients receiving solitary kidneys from deceased donors (n=278; Study 1). Table 1: Adverse Reactions Adverse reactions are treatment emergent adverse events (TEAE) reported as related to the study agent in at least 1 patient. and Laboratory Abnormalities Reported More Frequently (incidence Number (percentage) is shown regardless of causal relationship. >5%) Following THYMOGLOBULIN versus Active Comparator basiliximab Adverse Reaction [n (%) ] THYMOGLOBULIN (N=141) Active Comparator (N=137) Urinary tract infection 55 (39%) 36 (26%) Pyrexia 39 (28%) 25 (18%) Headache 26 (18%) 17 (12%) Hyperlipidemia 21 (15%) 9 (7%) Anxiety 20 (14%) 12 (9%) Chills 13 (9%) 5 (4%) Laboratory Abnormalities Hyperkalemia: blood potassium ≥5.5 mmol/L; Leukopenia: WBC <3000 cells/mm 3 . Thrombocytopenia: platelet count <75,000 cells/mm 3 . Hyperkalemia 81 (57%) 70 (51%) Leukopenia 89 (63%) 20 (15%) Thrombocytopenia 23 (16%) 7 (5%) Malignancies Six patients in the THYMOGLOBULIN group developed malignancies (Epstein-Barr virus-induced lymphoma of the cavum, Epstein-Barr virus-positive large B-cell lung lymphoma, Epstein-Barr virus-induced lymphoma of the brain, squamous cell carcinoma, renal cancer, and recurrent basal cell carcinoma). In the Active Comparator group, 1 patient developed renal cancer. Infections Infections occurred in 76% of THYMOGLOBULIN-treated patients (severe in 23%), and in 63% of Active Comparator-treated patients (severe in 15%). Infections occurring in ≥5% of the patients in either treatment group during the 12-month follow-up are summarized in Table 2. Urinary tract infection was the most frequent type of infection, and was reported as severe in 9% of THYMOGLOBULIN-treated patients and in 2% of Active Comparator-treated patients. CMV infections were reported more frequently in the Active Comparator group, with an incidence of 6% (severe in 1%) in THYMOGLOBULIN-treated patients and of 18% (severe in 7%) in Active Comparator-treated patients. Patients who were CMV-positive at the time of transplant, as well as CMV-negative recipients of transplants from CMV-positive donors, were required to receive antiviral prophylaxis for 3 months after transplant. Table 2: Infections Reported in ≥5% of Study Patients Infection THYMOGLOBULIN All (N=141) THYMOGLOBULIN Severe/Unknown (N=141) Active Comparator basiliximab All (N=137) Active Comparator Severe/Unknown (N=137) Urinary tract infections Urinary tract infection group includes: Urinary tract infections, Urinary tract infection fungal, Urinary tract infection bacterial, Bacterial pyelonephritis, Urosepsis. 59 (42%) 12 (9%) 39 (29%) 3 (2%) Sepsis Sepsis group includes: Sepsis, Escherichia sepsis, Staphylococcal bacteremia. 9 (6%) 5 (4%) 1 (1%) 1 (1%) Lower respiratory tract and lung infections Lower respiratory tract and lung infections group includes: Lower respiratory tract and lung infections, and Pneumonia pseudomonal. 18 (13%) 2 (1%) 16 (12%) 4 (3%) Upper respiratory tract infection 15 (11%) 0 15 (11%) 1 (1%) Nasopharyngitis 7 (5%) 0 9 (7%) 0 Cytomegaloviral infections The collective term "cytomegaloviral infections" includes CMV duodenitis, CMV gastritis, CMV hepatitis, CMV infection, and CMV viremia. 8 (6%) 2 (1%) 21 (18%) 7 (7%) Herpes zoster 7 (5%) 0 2 (2%) 1 (1%) Oral candidiasis 8 (6%) 0 11 (8%) 0 Adverse Drug Reactions Occurring within 24 Hours and Infusion-Related Reactions Adverse reactions occurring during or within 24 hours of infusion in >5% of patients in the THYMOGLOBULIN group are summarized in Table 3. Table 3: Adverse Drug Reactions Adverse reactions that occurred during or within 24 hours of an infusion, and where the incidence was higher in the THYMOGLOBULIN group.

Drug interactions

No drug interaction studies have been performed. THYMOGLOBULIN can stimulate the production of antibodies that cross-react with rabbit immune globulins [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Use in specific populations

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with THYMOGLOBULIN. It is also not known whether THYMOGLOBULIN can cause fetal harm. THYMOGLOBULIN should be given to a pregnant woman only if the benefit outweighs the risk. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary THYMOGLOBULIN has not been studied in nursing women. It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because other immunoglobulins are excreted in human milk, breastfeeding should be discontinued during THYMOGLOBULIN therapy. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Contraception Females There is a lack of information on the risks associated with the administration of THYMOGLOBULIN during pregnancy. Therefore, effective contraception is recommended during and for a minimum of 3 months after treatment. 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of THYMOGLOBULIN in pediatric patients have been established in pediatric patients for the prophylaxis and treatment of acute rejection. The use of THYMOGLOBULIN in pediatric patients was supported by extrapolation of adult data from Study 1, Study 2 and Study 3 [see Adverse Reactions (6) and Clinical Studies (14) ].

Pregnancy

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of THYMOGLOBULIN in pediatric patients have been established in pediatric patients for the prophylaxis and treatment of acute rejection. The use of THYMOGLOBULIN in pediatric patients was supported by extrapolation of adult data from Study 1, Study 2 and Study 3 [see Adverse Reactions (6) and Clinical Studies (14) ].

Overdosage

10 OVERDOSAGE THYMOGLOBULIN overdosage may result in leukopenia (including lymphopenia and neutropenia) and/ or thrombocytopenia, which can be managed with dose reduction [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.3) ] .

Description

11 DESCRIPTION THYMOGLOBULIN ® (anti-thymocyte globulin [rabbit]) is a purified, pasteurized, immunoglobulin G, obtained by immunization of rabbits with human thymocytes. This immunosuppressive product contains cytotoxic antibodies directed against antigens expressed on human T-lymphocytes. THYMOGLOBULIN is a sterile, lyophilized powder for intravenous administration after reconstitution with sterile Water for Injection, USP (SWFI). Each single-dose 10 mL vial contains 25 mg of anti-thymocyte globulin (rabbit), 50 mg glycine, 50 mg mannitol and 10 mg sodium chloride. After reconstitution with 5 mL SWFI, each vial of reconstituted product contains approximately 5 mg/mL of THYMOGLOBULIN, of which >90% is rabbit gamma immune globulin (IgG). The reconstituted solution has a pH of 6.5 to 7.2. Human red blood cells are used in the manufacturing process to deplete cross-reactive antibodies to non–T-cell antigens. The manufacturing process is validated to remove or inactivate potential exogenous viruses. All human red blood cells are from U.S.-registered or FDA-licensed blood banks. A virus removal step (nanofiltration, using a 20 nm filter) and a viral inactivation step (pasteurization, i.e., heat treatment of active ingredient at 60°C/10 hr) are performed for each lot. Each THYMOGLOBULIN lot is released following potency testing (lymphocytotoxicity and anti-CD2 binding inhibition), and cross-reactive antibody testing (hemagglutination, platelet agglutination, and fibroblast toxicity assays on every lot).

Mechanism of action

12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action by which polyclonal antilymphocyte preparations suppress immune responses is not fully understood. Possible mechanisms by which THYMOGLOBULIN may induce immunosuppression in vivo include: T-cell clearance from the circulation and modulation of T-cell activation, homing, and cytotoxic activities. THYMOGLOBULIN includes antibodies against T-cell markers such as CD2, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD11a, CD18, CD25, CD44, CD45, HLA-DR, HLA Class I heavy chains, and ß2 micro-globulin. In vitro , THYMOGLOBULIN (concentrations >0.1 mg/mL) mediates T-cell suppressive effects via inhibition of proliferative responses to several mitogens. In patients, T-cell depletion is usually observed within a day after initiating THYMOGLOBULIN therapy. THYMOGLOBULIN has not been shown to be effective for treating antibody-mediated (humoral) rejections.

How supplied

16.1 How Supplied THYMOGLOBULIN is supplied as a single-dose clear glass 10 mL vial containing 25 mg of lyophilized (solid) THYMOGLOBULIN. Each carton contains one THYMOGLOBULIN vial (NDC 58468-0080-1). 16.2 Storage and Handling Store in refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Protect from light. Do not freeze. Do not use after the expiration date indicated on the label. Reconstituted THYMOGLOBULIN is physically and chemically stable for up to 24 hours at room temperature; however, room temperature storage is not recommended. As THYMOGLOBULIN contains no preservatives, reconstituted product should be used immediately. Infusion solutions of THYMOGLOBULIN must be used immediately. Any unused drug remaining after infusion must be discarded. 16.1 How Supplied THYMOGLOBULIN is supplied as a single-dose clear glass 10 mL vial containing 25 mg of lyophilized (solid) THYMOGLOBULIN. Each carton contains one THYMOGLOBULIN vial (NDC 58468-0080-1).

Storage

16.2 Storage and Handling Store in refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Protect from light. Do not freeze. Do not use after the expiration date indicated on the label. Reconstituted THYMOGLOBULIN is physically and chemically stable for up to 24 hours at room temperature; however, room temperature storage is not recommended. As THYMOGLOBULIN contains no preservatives, reconstituted product should be used immediately. Infusion solutions of THYMOGLOBULIN must be used immediately. Any unused drug remaining after infusion must be discarded.

Patient information

Advise patients receiving THYMOGLOBULIN that they will be monitored by a physician experienced in immunosuppressive therapy for the management of kidney transplant patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Hypersensitivity and Infusion-Related Reactions Advise patients of the signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions (flu-like symptoms, e.g., fever, chills, nausea, muscle or joint pain) and the need to take premedications as prescribed. Determine if the patient has known allergies to rabbits or rabbit proteins. Determine if the patient has had significant exposure to rabbits [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Cytopenias Inform patients of the increased risk of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). TMA is a severe condition characterized by the formation of microscopic blood clots in small blood vessels, leading to organ damage, most commonly the kidneys [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Infections Inform patients of the increased risk of infection while taking immunosuppressive therapy. Instruct patients to immediately report signs or symptoms of infection and to take prophylactic anti-infectives as prescribed [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Malignancies Inform patients of the increased risk of malignancies, especially skin cancer, while taking immunosuppressive therapy. Instruct patients to limit exposure to sunlight and UV light by wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen with a high protection factor [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Immunizations Advise patients that they should not receive immunizations with live viral vaccines if they have been recently treated with THYMOGLOBULIN [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] .

Label text from the FDA structured product label by Genzyme Corporation (revised Jun 24, 2026). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.

Active ingredients

Lapine T-lymphocyte Immune Globulin in 1 product

Thymoglobulin NDC products (1)

NDC	Strength & form	Labeler	Type
58468-0080	Lapine T-lymphocyte Immune Globulin 5 mg/mL Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, For Solution	Genzyme Corporation	BLA

Frequently asked questions

What is Thymoglobulin used for?

What are the side effects of Thymoglobulin?

Who makes Thymoglobulin?

Thymoglobulin is listed by 1 labeler in the FDA NDC directory, including Genzyme Corporation.