Adverse Reactions after Administration of Antivenom in Korea

Abstract

Kovax(R)antivenom is the main treatment for toxins produced by theGloydiusspecies. However, research on adverse reactions after Kovax(R)antivenom administration is scarce. We aimed to identify the incidence and characteristics of adverse reactions after Kovax(R)antivenom administration. We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of snakebite patients in Korea between January 2008 and September 2019. We identified the frequency, characteristics, and treatments of adverse reactions to Kovax(R)antivenom. There were 150 patients with snakebites, of whom 121 (80.7%) patients received Kovax(R)antivenom. Adverse reactions occurred in five patients (4.1%). Acute adverse reactions within 24 h of antivenom administration occurred in two patients (1.7%). The symptoms of patients with acute adverse reactions were nausea, diaphoresis, dizziness, and hypotension. Delayed adverse reactions that occurred 24 h after antivenom administration were reported in three patients (2.5%). One patient had a skin rash after 10 days, and two patients had fever 37 and 48 h after antivenom use. In conclusion, most patients were managed safely after Kovax(R)antivenom, and the incidence of adverse reactions was low. Severe adverse reactions occurred in a small percentage of patients, and there were no deaths.