This page is intended as reference information for the general public in Great Britain.
What is Atgam and what is it used for?
Atgam is made by injecting human thymus cells into horses. It contains immunoglobulins (antibodies) which attach to and destroy some of the cells of the immune system in your body. It is used to treat a condition called aplastic anaemia. Aplastic anaemia happens when the body’s immune system attacks its own cells by mistake and the bone marrow does not make enough red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. When used with other medicines, Atgam helps bone marrow to start making these blood cells again. It may also help avoid the need for blood transfusions. Medicines that suppress the immune system do not cure aplastic anaemia. However, they can relieve its symptoms and reduce complications. These medicines often are used for people who cannot have blood and marrow stem cell transplants or who are waiting for bone marrow transplants. Atgam can be used in children aged two and older as well as in adults.
Atgam must only be administered by physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy in well-equipped facilities and is administered intravenously in a hospital setting. The medicine can only be obtained with a prescription.
Reference information
Medicines in Northern Ireland fall under the remit of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) whilst medicines in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) fall under the remit of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) following the UK leaving the European Union. These agencies are responsible for the scientific evaluation, supervision and safety monitoring of medicines developed by pharmaceutical companies.
If you would like to see the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) or Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) for Atgam these can be found at the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC).
▼ This medicine is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new safety information.
If you get any side effects when taking this or any other medicine, talk to your doctor or other relevant health professional e.g. pharmacist, nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the packaging leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search the Google Play or Apple App Store for MHRA Yellow Card. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Pfizer is unable to provide advice on personal medical matters. Please consult your doctor or other relevant health professional for specific, health-related advice and support.