Insect venom immunotherapy
Article Abstract:
Insect venoms offer a safe and effective means of protecting patients who are at risk for life-threatening reactions to insect stings. Patients who have had a systemic reaction to an insect sting should have a skin test to determine allergic sensitivity and should consider immunotherapy with insect venom. A systemic reaction can involve the skin, the respiratory tract and/or the cardiovascular system. Treatment involves regular injections of venom. One study found that patients were protected after three years of injections. Another found that patients still were protected after five years of injections. Skin testing and immunotherapy are neither necessary nor appropriate for children whose systemic reactions involves only the skin, without respiratory or cardiovascular symptoms.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1993
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The toxicology of Latrodectus tredecimguttatus: the Mediterranean Black Widow Spider
Article Abstract:
A compilation of the signs and symptoms as present in the literature describing the victims of envenomation by Latrodectus tredecimgutatus, popularly known as the Mediterranean Black Widow Spider is provided. The results confirm the hypothesis that the homeopathic remedy, Tarentula hispanica, is derived from this spider, not from the Wolf spider, Lycosa tarentula.
Publication Name: Homeopathy
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1475-4916
Year: 2004
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A new snake antivenom
Article Abstract:
The FDA has approved the use of CroFab for the treatment of rattlesnake bites. It is an immunoglobulin fragment from the blood of sheep that have been immunized with rattlesnake venom. Although it is expensive, it is very effective and is safer than Antivenin Polyvalent.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2001
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