Cat hair extract (Injection)

Introduction:

Cat Hair Extract (kat hare-EX-trakt)

Used to test for allergy to cats. Also treats symptoms of allergy to cats.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Any reaction to your skin test should appear about 20 minutes after your shot. Some reactions may appear later. Your doctor or caregiver will watch you for signs of allergy for at least 30 minutes after your shot.
• If you receive this medicine to treat a confirmed allergy, you will need to have a shot every 1 to 4 weeks. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a topical steroid medicine such as hydrocortisone, Aristocort®, or Cortaid®). Tell your doctor if you are using an allergy medicine such as cetrizine (Zyrtec®) or loradatine (Claritin®).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using blood pressure medicines such as atenolol, metoprolol, Inderal®, or Toprol®. Tell your doctor if you use medicine for depression such as amitriptyline, imipramine, Norpramine®, or Vivactil®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have heart disease.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have asthma, fever or flu symptoms. Tell your doctor if you have recently been exposed to cat hair.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Light-headedness or fainting.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness, weakness, or muscle cramps.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or stomach pain.
• Pain, itching, tenderness, or swelling where the shot was given.
• Runny or stuffy nose.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: