Human Albumin
About Human Albumin
Human Albumin is a prescription fluid used to restore and maintain circulating blood volume in patients who have suffered severe blood or fluid loss. It is commonly used to treat shock caused by major injuries, surgeries, or severe burns, as well as to correct critically low protein levels in the blood.
This medicine is given as an infusion directly into a vein, meaning it does not need to be taken with food. Your doctor will decide how often you need to receive this medicine based on your specific medical condition and how well your body responds to the treatment. To help support your recovery, your healthcare team may recommend specific dietary adjustments, such as maintaining a carefully managed fluid intake and following a low-sodium diet to prevent unnecessary fluid retention.
While Human Albumin is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience mild side effects like temporary flushing, mild fever, chills, or nausea. However, if you notice serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, sudden severe swelling, or a rapid, pounding heartbeat, you must alert your medical team immediately.
Before receiving this medicine, talk to your doctor if you have a history of chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, or a known allergy to blood products.
It is crucial to inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, as some intravenous solutions can interact with Human Albumin, though serious interactions with everyday foods or alcohol are rare. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an older adult, consult your doctor or pharmacist to discuss any special precautions needed for your care.
Uses of Human Albumin
• Fluid Resuscitation: Human Albumin helps to restore and maintain oncotic pressure in patients with significant fluid loss or hypovolemia due to trauma, surgery, or other medical conditions.
• Liver Disease Management: Human Albumin is used in liver disease management, particularly for cirrhosis patients, to manage fluid retention and complications from low albumin levels.
• Nephrotic Syndrome Treatment: Human Albumin helps to treat edema and restore blood protein levels in patients with nephrotic syndrome.
• Burn Treatment: Human Albumin is used in burn treatment to maintain blood volume and ensure adequate circulation after severe fluid loss.
• Post-Surgical Care: Human Albumin helps in post-surgical patients by restoring blood volume and maintaining blood pressure after major surgeries.
Medicinal Benefits
When used as directed as part of your treatment plan, Human Albumin may provide the following benefits:
- Restores blood volume: Helps replace albumin and restore the amount of fluid circulating in your bloodstream when your blood volume or albumin levels are low.
- Supports blood circulation: Helps maintain adequate blood circulation by keeping fluid inside your blood vessels.
- Helps manage fluid balance: May draw excess fluid from body tissues back into the bloodstream in conditions where this is appropriate, helping restore the normal balance of fluids in the body.
- Supports treatment in serious medical conditions: May be used as part of the treatment of certain serious illnesses or after major fluid loss when your doctor determines that albumin replacement is needed.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Human Albumin will be administered by a nurse or doctor.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Human Albumin
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Mild fever or chills
- Flushing (warmth or redness in the face and neck)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Mild skin rash or itching
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away)
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or a sudden cough
- Sudden swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- An unusually rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- Severe headache, blurred vision, or confusion
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Inspect the vial: The liquid should be clear or slightly yellow. Do not use it if it is cloudy, discoloured, or contains visible particles.
- Check the packaging: Ensure the vial is intact and has no cracks, leaks, or signs of tampering before use.
- Routine monitoring: During treatment, your healthcare team will regularly monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, urine output, fluid balance, blood electrolytes, and serum albumin levels to assess your response and help ensure safe treatment.
- Report symptoms immediately: Tell your doctor or nurse straight away if you feel dizzy, cold, breathless, develop a headache, or notice any unusual symptoms during the infusion.
Drug Interactions
- ACE inhibitors (such as enalapril or ramipril): Tell your doctor if you take these medicines, as they may increase the risk of a reaction during the infusion.
- Other intravenous medicines or fluids: This medicine should only be mixed or given with other intravenous medicines or fluids if your healthcare team confirms it is compatible.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThe interaction of alcohol with Human Albumin is unknown. However, it is advisable not to consume alcohol.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorPlease consult the doctor as there are no adequate and well-controlled studies on pregnant women. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorConsult your doctor as there is no substantial research yet on the use of Human Albumin in breastfeeding/nursing mothers.
Driving
cautionYour ability to drive or operate heavy machinery is usually unaffected by Human Albumin.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have a history of liver illness or condition, inform your doctor. Your doctor may alter the dose if necessary.
Kidney
consult your doctorLet your doctor know if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionPlease consult a doctor. Human Albumin is given to children only if clinically needed.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Follow your doctor's advice: Follow any recommendations about your fluid intake and diet based on your medical condition.
- Limit salt if advised: If your doctor recommends a low-salt diet, follow it to help manage fluid balance and reduce swelling.
- Stay hydrated: Drink enough fluids as advised by your healthcare team. Avoid drinking more or less than recommended.
- Monitor for fluid build-up: Contact your doctor if you notice new or worsening swelling, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, or reduced urine output.
- Avoid alcohol if advised: Alcohol may worsen certain medical conditions, especially liver disease, and may interfere with your recovery. Ask your doctor whether you should avoid alcohol during treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Fluid replacement after trauma: Blood volume loss could occur as a result of trauma such as an injury or severe burns. Uncontrolled post-traumatic bleeding is the leading cause of possibly preventable death among injured patients. Fluid resuscitation aids in the restoration of lost blood volume, tissue perfusion, and the reduction of mortality in trauma patients.
FAQs
Human Albumin belongs to the class of medicines called plasma volume expander used to restore and maintain circulating blood volume in cases where it is low.
Human Albumin works by replenishing blood and other bodily fluids that have been lost due to significant bleeding, surgery, or kidney dialysis.
Human Albumin can be used for short term fluid replacement purposes only. In some cases, it may be used for prolonged durations.
Human Albumin may cause flushing (redness, warmth, and tingly feeling). It generally does not require medical attention and gradually resolves over time. However, consult your doctor if it persists or worsens.
Human Albumin may also be used to treat low albumin levels caused by abdominal infections, surgery, liver failure, dialysis, respiratory distress, and ovarian problems.
Let your doctor know if you are allergic to any of the components in Human Albumin, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, about your health condition and the medicines you are taking.
Vitals such as temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and heart rate should be monitored before giving Human Albumin.
Human Albumin may cause side effects like tenderness/pain at the injection site, flushing (temporary reddening of the skin), and fever. If the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Human Albumin is given as an infusion directly into a vein by a trained healthcare professional in a clinic or hospital. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about how the infusion is performed.
Yes, because Human Albumin draws fluid back into your blood vessels, it can raise your blood volume and temporarily increase your blood pressure. Your healthcare team will monitor your blood pressure closely during the injection. Talk to your doctor if you experience a pounding headache.
The safety of Human Albumin during pregnancy has not been fully studied, but it may be used if your doctor decides the benefits outweigh the risks. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
It is highly recommended to avoid alcohol, as it can affect your fluid levels and strain your liver and kidneys during treatment. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalised advice.
Long-term side effects are very rare, as most reactions are mild and resolve shortly after the infusion is completed. Talk to your doctor if you experience any lingering health concerns after your treatment.
Chills and mild fever can sometimes happen while receiving this medicine. Inform your nurse or doctor immediately so they can adjust the injection speed or provide comfort measures. Talk to your doctor if you feel unwell after the procedure.
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