DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Albumin (Human) (al-BYOO-min)
Brand Name: Examples include Albutein and Plasbumin

Albutein is used for:

Treating a variety of conditions, including shock due to blood loss in the body, burns, low protein levels due to surgery or liver failure, and as an additional medicine in bypass surgery. It may be used for certain conditions as determined by your doctor.

Albutein is a concentrate of plasma proteins from human blood. It works by increasing plasma volume or serum albumin levels.

Do NOT use Albutein if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Albutein
• you have or have ever had heart failure, kidney failure or stable chronic anemia, or you are at risk for fluid overload

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Albutein :

Some medical conditions may interact with Albutein . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Albutein . However, no specific interactions with Albutein are known at this time.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Albutein may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Albutein :

Use Albutein as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Albutein is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Albutein at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
• If Albutein contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• Use Albutein with the administration set that came with it. Be sure the filter is used. After opening, administration must be started within 4 hours. Discard any bottles that have been open for more than 4 hours. Do not save partially used bottles for later use.
• Do not infuse Albutein faster than the rate specified by your doctor.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Albutein , use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Albutein .

Important safety information:

• Albutein is made from human plasma. Products made from human plasma may contain infectious agents, such as viruses, that can cause diseases. Symptoms of some viral infections, especially hepatitis C, may occur in patients who receive plasma products or blood infusions. Notify your health care provider immediately if you think an infection has been transmitted by this product.
• LAB TESTS, including blood pressure, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Albutein during pregnancy. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Albutein , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Albutein :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with Albutein . Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); change in heart rate or breathing; chills; confusion; excess saliva; fainting; fever; headache; nausea; vomiting; weakness.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Albutein :

Store Albutein at room temperature at or below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not freeze. Discard unused portion. Do not use after the expiration date. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Albutein out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Albutein , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Albutein is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Albutein . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.