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Other commonly used names are box jellyfish antivenom and sea wasp antivenom .

*† Not commercially available in the U.S. and Canada.

Category

• Antivenin

Description

Box jellyfish antivenin belongs to a group of medicines known as antivenins. It is used to treat the symptoms caused by the stings of box jellyfish, such as the sea wasp and another related species of jellyfish.

Box jellyfish antivenin is to be used only by or under the supervision of a doctor or, in special circumstances, by paramedics. It is available in the following dosage form:

• Parenteral
• Injection (Australia)

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For box jellyfish antivenin, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to box jellyfish antivenin, to sheep, or to any products of sheep origin, such as sheep serum. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives.

Pregnancy—Box jellyfish antivenin has not been studied in pregnant women or animals.

Breast-feeding—Box jellyfish antivenin has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children—Although there is no specific information about the use of box jellyfish antivenin in children, it is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of box jellyfish antivenin in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Proper Use of This Medicine

Dosing—The dose of box jellyfish antivenin will be different for different patients. The dose you receive will depend on the severity of your condition. The following information includes only the average doses of box jellyfish antivenin.

• For injection dosage form:
  • For box jellyfish sting:
    • Adults, teenagers, and children—A minimum of 2 mL injected slowly into a vein or 6 mL injected slowly into a muscle.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Store in refrigerator at all times . However, keep the medicine from freezing.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Collapse; difficulty in breathing or swallowing; hives; itching, especially of feet or hands; reddening of skin, especially around ears; swelling of eyes, face, or inside of nose; unusual tiredness or weakness

Approximately 7 to 14 days after you stop receiving box jellyfish antivenin, you may develop symptoms of serum sickness. The severity of the symptoms and the length of time the sickness lasts depends on the amount of box jellyfish antivenin you received and how long you received it. Check with your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects:

Fever; redness of joints; skin rash and itching; swollen glands

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Developed: 09/23/1996

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