What is this medication?

ALBUMIN (al BYOO min) treats low blood volume, which may occur with severe dehydration or bleeding. It works by increasing blood volume so your heart can pump blood to the rest of your body. It may also be used to treat low albumin levels caused by surgery, infection, or other health conditions. Albumin is a protein that helps your body balance the level of fluid in your blood vessels. This helps maintain a healthy blood pressure and prevents swelling or edema.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Albuked, Albumarc, Albuminar, Albuminex, AlbuRx, Albutein, Buminate, Flexbumin, Kedbumin, Macrotec, Plasbumin, Plasbumin-20

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Low red blood cell levels (anemia)
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to albumin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is infused into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

This product is derived from human plasma. Talk to your care team about the risks and benefits of this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, cough, unusual weakness or fatigue, blue skin or lips

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Flushing
  • Headache
  • Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.