Description:

Anti-snake venom (ASV) is a life-saving biological product used to neutralize venom from snakebites. In Ghana, local production has commenced through a collaboration between Atlantic Lifesciences and Vins Bioproducts Limited, aiming to address frequent shortages and reduce mortality from snakebites, especially in rural areas.

Prescription:

• Prescription-only medication 

Dosage:

• Initial Dose: Typically 10–30 ml intravenously, depending on the severity of envenomation.

• Severe Cases: May require up to 200 ml.

• Repeat Doses: Can be administered every 2–6 hours based on patient response and clinical symptoms.

• Note: Dosage should be determined by a medical professional, considering the type of snake, severity of symptoms, and patient factors.

Therapeutic Category:

• Antivenom (Polyvalent Equine Immunoglobulin).​

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• The locally produced ASV contains purified F(ab’)₂ fragments derived from equine plasma immunized with venoms from medically significant African snake species, including:
• Puff Adder (Bitis arietans)

• West African Carpet Viper (Echis ocellatus)

• Black-Necked Spitting Cobra (Naja nigricollis)

• Senegalese Cobra (Naja senegalensis)

• Western Green Mamba (Dendroaspis viridis)

Variant:

• Available as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder for reconstitution or as a liquid solution for injection.​

Consume Type:

• Parenteral administration (intravenous injection).​

Directions/Usage:

• Administer intravenously under strict medical supervision.

• Reconstitute lyophilized powder with sterile diluent as per manufacturer instructions.

• Monitor patient closely for signs of allergic reactions or anaphylaxis during and after administration.

• Supportive treatments (e.g., antihistamines, corticosteroids) should be readily available.​

Common Side Effects:

• Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching)

• Anaphylaxis (rare but severe)

• Fever

• Chills

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Hypotension

Package Type:

• Typically supplied in single-dose vials, either as lyophilized powder or liquid solution, accompanied by a sterile diluent if required.​

Storage Advice:

• Store between 2°C and 8°C (refrigerated conditions).

• Protect from light and do not freeze.

• Ensure proper cold chain maintenance during transportation and storage.​

Safety Advice:

• Administer only in facilities equipped to manage anaphylactic reactions.

• Perform a sensitivity test if time permits, especially in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to equine proteins.

• Have emergency medications (e.g., epinephrine, antihistamines) readily available.

• Monitor renal function and coagulation parameters post-administration.​

Product Substitutes:

• PANAF-Premium™: A polyvalent antivenom covering various African snake species.

• Afriven: An antivenom used to treat snakebites from venomous species found in Africa.

• Other WHO-prequalified antivenoms suitable for African snake species.​

Manufacturer/Marketer:

• Atlantic Lifesciences Ltd.

Country of Origin:

• Ghana