Muromonab-CD3 (Orthoclone OKT3®)

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.

Learn more about other Intestine Transplant Drugs.