Pediatric Muromonab-CD3 (Orthoclone OKT3®) Immunosuppressant

What Is Muromonab-CD3?

Muromonab-CD3 is also referred to as OKT3.

Uses

Muromonab-CD3 (Orthoclone OKT3®) is an immunosuppressant drug used to reduce the natural immunity of patients who receive organ transplants such as liver transplants.

What Does Muromonab-CD3 Do?

Muromonab-CD3 is a monoclonal antibody that prevents white blood cells from causing organ rejection.

Muromonab-CD3 Dosage

Muromonab-CD3 or OKT3 is a liquid that is given by injection.

Muromonab-CD3 Side Effects

Common side effects of muromonab-CD3 include:

• Increased risk of infection. You can help to prevent infection by making sure your child avoids contact with people who are ill.
• Reduction in the number of blood cells needed for clotting. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations where bruising or injury might occur.
• Chest pain, dizziness, fever and chills, shortness of breath, stomach upset, and trembling or shaking of the hands within a few hours after taking the first dose. These effects should lessen substantially after the second dose and should not occur after that.

Other common side effects of muromonab-CD3 include:

• Diarrhea
• Faintness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat

Rare side effects of muromonab-CD3 include:

• Stiff neck
• Light sensitivity
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Unusual tiredness

If any of these side effects continues or becomes bothersome, inform your child's doctor.

Muromonab-CD3 Drug Interactions

Tell your transplant doctor or pharmacist about any prescription or over-the-counter medication that you are taking, so you can be warned of interactions and prevent them.

Drug information changes periodically. For the most updated information on drugs, visit www.drugs.com.

Learn more about other Liver Transplant Drugs.