Work

Hypersensitivity Reaction After Administration of Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (CroFab)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab (CroFab) is an antivenin that is FDA approved and commonly used to treat envenomations caused by North American pit vipers. Although CroFab has been widely used since the early 2000s, hypersensitivity reactions like type I, type IV, and angioedema have been reported in the literature. We present a case of CroFab induced hypersensitivity reaction in a 41-year-old male shortly after starting CroFab infusion. Furthermore, this patient developed anaphylaxis symptoms including: difficulty breathing, oropharyngeal edema, dysphagia, wheezing, and chest tightness. This was resolved upon stopping CroFab infusion and administering epinephrine, methylprednisolone, diphenhydramine, and famotidine. The reaction occurred again when CroFab was re-introduced despite infusing it at a much slower rate. Interestingly, this patient successfully tolerated crotalidae immune F(ab')2 (equine) antivenom (ANAVIP) upon switching him from CroFab. Hypersensitivity reactions to CroFab can be life-threatening and warrant immediate attention and treatment in a multidisciplinary setting.

Source: Clinical Pharmacology Advances and Applications

DOI: 10.2147/cpaa.s512508

Authors: Lena Truong, Takla Anis, Layla Najibfard, Edwin Peck

Institution: Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Venomous Animal Envenomation and Studies

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,320