About albumin

Albumin is the most abundant plasma protein in the body, comprising more than half of the total protein in human plasma. It is essential for maintaining intracellular and extracellular fluid homeostasis and plays a significant role in transportation, binding, anti-oxidation, and anti-inflammatory actions.1

 

 

 

A versatile and essential protein1,2

  • Vital in maintaining oncotic pressure in the body, which helps ensure that fluids remain in balance1,2
  • Binds with a wide variety of endogenous and exogenous substances, helping remove harmful molecules that may damage cells1,2
  • As an antioxidant, albumin also plays an important role in mediating inflammatory reactions via cell signal regulation1,2

The concentration of albumin solution used should be based on a patient's clinical needs1

5% albumin solution

  • Same concentration of albumin normally found in blood1
  • Treatment with 5% albumin can help restore plasma volume1

Albumin 5% optimizes fluid resuscitation and may prevent fluid overload. A proven therapy to help maintain organ function. 

  • Critical for maintaining oncotic pressure1,2
  • Plasma expansion equal to 70% to 100% of the volume infused3
  • Provides sustained response of 16 hours to 24 hours3
  • Decreases capillary permeability2

25% albumin solution

  • Concentration is approximately 5 times higher than what is normally found in blood4
  • Used to raise oncotic pressure and draw fluid from the extravascular space to the intravascular space4

Albumin 25% can help with treatment of fluid overload in conjunction with a fluid removal strategy. A proven therapy to help reduce the risk of organ dysfunction.

  • Critical for maintaining oncotic pressure1,2
  • Provides sustained response of 16 hours to 24 hours3
  • Stabilizes the endothelium to decrease vascular permeability2

Use ALBUTEIN® (albumin [human] U.S.P.) for a wide range of clinical situations1,4

ALBUTEIN 5% is indicated for1

  • Hypovolemia
  • Cardiopulmonary bypass procedures
  • Hypoalbuminemia
  • Plasma exchange

 

ALBUTEIN 25% is indicated for4

  • Hypovolemia
  • Cardiopulmonary bypass procedures
  • Acute nephrosis, hypoalbuminemia
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
  • Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia
  • Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
  • Prevention of central volume depletion after paracentesis is due to cirrhotic ascites

How is ALBUTEIN solution made?

Albumin solution is derived from plasma collected from repeat donors at FDA-approved plasmapheresis centers in the US. Multiple steps in the manufacturing process remove or inactivate pathogens, and no cases of viral disease transmission or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) have ever been identified with ALBUTEIN 5% or 25%.1

Albumin is a derivative of human blood. Based on effective donor screening and product manufacturing processes, it carries an extremely remote risk for transmission of viral diseases and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). There is a theoretical risk for transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), but if that risk actually exists, the risk of transmission would also be considered extremely remote.

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Important Safety Information

ALBUTEIN® 5% (albumin [human] U.S.P.) is indicated for: hypovolemia, cardiopulmonary bypass procedures, hypoalbuminemia, and plasma exchange.

ALBUTEIN® 25% (albumin [human] U.S.P.) is indicated for: hypovolemia, cardiopulmonary bypass procedures, acute nephrosis, hypoalbuminemia, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and prevention of central volume depletion after paracentesis due to cirrhotic ascites.

ALBUTEIN 5% and 25% are contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to albumin preparations or to any of the excipients, and in patients with severe anemia or cardiac failure with normal or increased intravascular volume.

Allergic or anaphylactic reactions require immediate discontinuation of the infusion and implementation of appropriate medical treatment.

Hypervolemia may occur if the dosage and rate of infusion are not adjusted to the patient’s volume status. At the first clinical signs of fluid overload, the infusion must be slowed or stopped immediately. Use albumin with caution in conditions where hypervolemia and its consequences or hemodilution could represent a special risk to the patient.

The colloid-osmotic effect of human albumin 25% is approximately five times that of blood plasma. Therefore, when concentrated albumin is administered, care must be taken to assure adequate hydration of the patient. Patients should be monitored carefully to guard against circulatory overload and hyperhydration. Patients with marked dehydration require administration of additional fluids.

Concentrated (20% - 25%) human albumin solutions are relatively low in electrolytes compared to 4% - 5% human albumin solutions. Regularly monitor the electrolyte status of the patient and take appropriate steps to restore or maintain the electrolyte balance when albumin is administered. 

Regular monitoring of coagulation and hematology parameters is necessary if comparatively large volumes are to be replaced. Care must be taken to ensure adequate substitution of other blood constituents (coagulation factors, electrolytes, platelets and erythrocytes).

Regularly monitor hemodynamic parameters during administration of ALBUTEIN 5% and 25% (albumin [human] U.S.P.).

ALBUTEIN 5% and 25% must not be diluted with sterile water for injection as this may cause hemolysis in recipients.

Albumin is a derivative of human blood. Based on effective donor screening and product manufacturing processes, it carries an extremely remote risk for transmission of viral diseases. A theoretical risk for transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is also considered extremely remote. No cases of transmission of viral diseases or CJD have ever been identified for ALBUTEIN 5% or 25%.

The most serious adverse reactions with use of albumin are anaphylactic shock, heart failure and pulmonary edema. The most common adverse reactions are anaphylactoid type reactions. Adverse reactions to ALBUTEIN normally resolve when the infusion rate is slowed or the infusion is stopped. In case of severe reactions, the infusion should be stopped and appropriate treatment initiated.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see full Prescribing Information for ALBUTEIN FlexBag 5%ALBUTEIN FlexBag 25%, ALBUTEIN vial 5% and ALBUTEIN vial 25%

References

  1. ALBUTEIN Flexbags® 5% (albumin [human] U.S.P.) Prescribing Information. Grifols.
  2. Garcia-Martinez R, Caraceni P, Bernardi M, Gines P, Arroyo V, Jalan R. Albumin: pathophysiologic basis of its role in the treatment of cirrhosis and its complications. Hepatology. 2013;58(5):1836-1846.
  3. Rivers EP, Jaehne AK, Eichhorn-Wharry L, Brown S, Amponsah D. Fluid therapy in septic shock. Curr Opin Crit Care. 2010;16(4):297-308
  4. ALBUTEIN Flexbags® 25% (albumin [human] U.S.P.) Prescribing Information. Grifols.