What is muromonab-CD3?
Muromonab-CD3 (also called Orthoclone OKT®3) is a medicine that suppresses the body’s immune system. It is used to decrease the natural immune response and prevent graft rejection in patients who receive stem cell transplants. It is available as a clear liquid given by vein.
Muromonab-CD3 can pose a health hazard to caregivers. All caregivers should take safety precautions while giving this drug. For 48 hours after this drug is given, the patient’s body fluids can contain the drug. During that 48-hour period, caregivers should follow safety guidelines when handling the patient’s vomit, blood, urine, and bowel movements, including diapers. These guidelines include wearing gloves when cleaning up body fluids. For a complete list of safety precautions, see “Do you know… Protecting caregivers from drug hazards.”
Possible side effects of muromonab-CD3
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in blood pressure
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Feeling tired
- Feeling confused
- Low blood counts
- Seizures
- Temporary decrease in kidney function
Call the doctor right away if you have any of the following side effects:
- Fever, chills
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Chest soreness
- Tremor
- Wheezing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Skin rash, hives, itching
These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.
In case of a severe side effect or reaction, call the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist at 595-3300. If you are outside the Memphis area, dial toll-free 1-866-2STJUDE (1-866-278-5833), and press 0 once the call is connected.
Special instructions for muromonab-CD3
- Before the OKT®3 infusion starts, you will receive other medicines to decrease the chance of an allergic reaction.
- Your heart may be monitored during and after the OKT®3 infusion. The staff will take your vital signs during the infusion and for 2 hours afterward.
- You will receive medicine to prevent seizures while you are receiving OKT®3.
- The staff will monitor your weight while you receive this medicine to see if your body is retaining fluid.
This document is not intended to take the place of the care and attention of your personal physician or other professional medical services. Our aim is to promote active participation in your care and treatment by providing information and education. Questions about individual health concerns or specific treatment options should be discussed with your physician.
St. Jude complies with health care-related federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
ATTENTION: If you speak another language, assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-866-278-5833 (TTY: 1-901-595-1040).
ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-866-278-5833 (TTY: 1-901-595-1040).
تنبيه: إذا كنت تتحدث باللغة العربية فيمكنك الاستعانة بخدمات المساعدة اللغوية المتوفرة لك مجانا. .يرجى الاتصال بالرقم. 5833-278-866-1 (الهاتف النصي: 1040-595-901-1).