Generic name: albumin (human) [ al-BUE-min ]
Brand names: Albuked 25, Albuked 5, Albuminex, Alburx, Albutein, ... show all 23 brands Flexbumin, Human Albumin Grifols, Kedbumin, Plasbumin-25 (Low Aluminum), Plasbumin-5, Albuked human, Albuminar-25 human, Buminate human, Plasbumin-25 human, Albuminar-5, Buminate, Albumarc, Plasbumin-25, Albuminar-25, Albunex, Plasbumin-20, Albumin-Alpine, Albuked
Dosage form: intravenous solution (20%; 25%; 5%)
Drug class: Plasma expanders

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 1, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is albumin?

Albumin is a protein produced by the liver that circulates in plasma (the clear liquid portion of your blood). Medicinal albumin is made of plasma proteins from human blood. This medicine works by increasing plasma volume or levels of albumin in the blood.

Albumin is used to replace blood volume loss resulting from trauma such as a severe burns or an injury that causes blood loss. This medicine is also used to treat low albumin levels caused by surgery, dialysis, abdominal infections, liver failure, pancreatitis, respiratory distress, bypass surgery, ovarian problems caused by fertility drugs, and other many other conditions.

Albumin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Albumin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; cough, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregiver right away if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• weak or shallow breathing;

• throbbing headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears;

• anxiety, confusion, sweating, pale skin; or

• severe shortness of breath, wheezing, gasping for breath, cough with foamy mucus, chest pain, and fast or uneven heart rate.

Common side effects of albumin may include:

• nausea, vomiting;

• fever, chills;

• fast heart rate;

• mild rash; or

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not receive albumin if you have severe anemia (lack of red blood cells), or severe heart failure.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use albumin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe anemia (lack of red blood cells); or

• severe heart failure.

If possible before you receive albumin, tell your doctor if you have:

• anemia;

• heart disease, high blood pressure;

• bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;

• lung problems;

• kidney disease;

• a latex allergy; or

• if you are unable to urinate.

In an emergency situation it may not be possible to tell your caregivers about your health conditions. Make sure any doctor caring for you afterward knows you have received this medicine.

Albumin is made from human plasma (part of the blood) which may contain viruses and other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

It is not known whether albumin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether albumin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

In an emergency situation it may not be possible to tell your caregivers if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you have received this medication.

How is albumin given?

Albumin is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Your breathing, pulse, blood pressure, electrolyte levels, kidney function, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving albumin. Your blood will also need to be tested regularly during treatment.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are being treated with albumin.

Related/similar drugs

ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, ceftriaxone, clindamycin, hydrocortisone, lidocaine topical, vancomycin, epinephrine

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because you will receive albumin in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving albumin?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect albumin?

Other drugs may interact with albumin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Albumin human Biosimilars

Biosimilar and interchangeable products are biological products that are highly similar to and have no clinically meaningful differences from the reference product.

Reference products

These are biological products that have already been approved by the FDA, against which biosimilar products are compared. There are 9 for albumin human.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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