Uses of Grafalon 20mg Injection

• Kidney and heart transplantation
• Aplastic anemia

Grafalon 20mg Injection (ATI) contains antibodies that bind to specific immune cells involved in organ rejection or unwanted immune reactions. By targeting these cells, ATI suppresses the immune response, aiding in the acceptance of transplanted organs and treating conditions like aplastic anaemia. It achieves this by depleting circulating lymphocytes, particularly T lymphocytes, through various mechanisms such as complement-dependent lysis and activation-induced apoptosis. Additionally, ATI may induce T lymphocyte anergy, further contributing to immunosuppression.

Inform your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Grafalon 20mg Injection and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects, especially any antirejection drugs or immunosuppressants. Such as azathioprine or corticosteroids. This is because if the body’s defence system is reduced too much, severe infections may occur. It may also

increase the risk of developing cancer in the future.

• Store Grafalon 20mg Injection in the refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C.
• Keep it in its original packaging.
• Protect it from light and moisture.
• Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Grafalon 20mg Injection will be given to you by your healthcare provider in a hospital. It is injected directly into a vein (intravenous infusion) through a plastic tube (catheter). Your healthcare provider determines the dose, duration, and frequency based on your age, body weight, and severity of your condition. 

Side effects are unwanted symptoms that occur due to medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Serious

• A raised, itchy rash
• Difficulty in breathing
• Stomach pain
• Swelling of the face, tongue or throat

Common

• Low white blood cell count; low platelet count
• Fever
• Infection
• Low count of red blood cells (anaemia)

Close infection surveillance is essential due to the increased risk associated with immunosuppression. Regular monitoring of liver function, kidney function, and blood counts is advised to detect any potential hepatotoxicity, drug-induced liver injury, renal dysfunction, or blood disorders. Infusion-related reactions should be anticipated and managed appropriately. 

Infusion-related side effects ( Difficulty breathing, wheezing or coughing, Feeling or being sick, Dizzy or feeling faint, Tiredness, Joint pain, Headache, Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, Irregular or fast heartbeat. Symptoms of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, mouth ulcers

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before taking it. Pediatric and geriatric patients require special consideration. Psychological effects should be monitored, and close consultation with healthcare professionals is necessary to ensure safe and effective use of it. Open communication and collaboration with your healthcare team are key to ensuring the safest and most effective medication use.

1. Sanofi Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on Sep 2023] [Accessed on Feb 2024], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6238.pdf
2. Pfizer, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), [Revised on Sep 2023], [Accessed on Feb 2024], https://www.fda.gov/media/78206/download?attachment
3. S.E. Marshall, Immunological Factors in Disease, Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 71-96.