Anascorp (centruroides scorpion antivenom) is an antivenom used to treat a person who has been stung by a scorpion.
Anascorp may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
If possible before you receive Anascorp, tell your doctor if you are allergic to horses, or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
In an emergency situation it may not be possible before you are treated to tell your caregivers about your health conditions or if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for you afterward knows that you have received this medication.
You will be watched closely after receiving Anascorp, to make sure this medication is helping your condition. You may need to receive additional doses.
Some of the signs of a reaction to Anascorp may occur up to 2 weeks after you receive this medication.
Your doctor will need to check your progress at a follow-up visit. Do not miss any scheduled appointment.
Before taking this medicine
If possible before you receive Anascorp, tell your doctor if you are allergic to horses, or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Anascorp is made from horse plasma (part of the blood) which may contain viruses and other infectious agents. Plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Anascorp will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Centruroides scorpion antivenom passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. In an emergency situation it may not be possible before you are treated with Anascorp to tell your caregivers if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you have received this medication.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
How is Anascorp given?
Treatment with Anascorp should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms of a scorpion sting (such as slurred speech, increased salivation, vomiting, feeling short of breath, abnormal eye movements, or loss of muscle control).
Anascorp is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a hospital or emergency setting. The injection must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take at least 10 minutes to complete.
You will be watched closely for up to 60 minutes after receiving Anascorp, to make sure this medication is helping your condition.
You may need to receive additional doses every 30 to 60 minutes. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with Anascorp.
Your doctor will need to check your progress at a follow-up visit. Do not miss any scheduled appointment.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Anascorp is given by a healthcare professional in an emergency setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Since Anascorp is given by a healthcare professional in an emergency setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid?
Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Anascorp side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Anascorp: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some of the signs of a reaction to Anascorp may occur up to 2 weeks after you receive this medication.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
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fever, swollen glands, general ill feeling;
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chest tightness, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
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trouble breathing; or
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joint or muscle pain.
Less serious Anascorp side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Anascorp?
There may be other drugs that can interact with Anascorp. If possible before you receive this medication, tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
