Cat Hair

Generic Name: cat hair

Standardized Animal Hair Allergenic Extract [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Standardized Cat Hair

DESCRIPTION Standardized Cat Hair Extract is a clear, light yellow to amber solution of the allergens of cat hair, extracted in buffered saline containing sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate and 50% glycerol by volume. Phenol at 0.4% w/v is added as a preservative. Source material for the extract is obtained from the hair of the domestic cat The importance of surface allergens in cat allergy has been shown in several investigations (1,2,3).

Overview

DESCRIPTION Standardized Cat Hair Extract is a clear, light yellow to amber solution of the allergens of cat hair, extracted in buffered saline containing sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate and 50% glycerol by volume. Phenol at 0.4% w/v is added as a preservative. Source material for the extract is obtained from the hair of the domestic cat The importance of surface allergens in cat allergy has been shown in several investigations (1,2,3).

Uses

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Studies have shown that skin tests with cat extract are useful in the diagnosis of cat allergy. As a rule, persons with cat allergy have positive skin reactions when tested with cat extract, and non-allergic individuals rarely react (7, 8, 9). However, the relationship between a positive skin test and the appearance of clinical symptoms after exposure to a cat is not absolute, i.e., some skin-test positive persons do not experience allergic symptoms after exposure (10). Failure to experience symptoms may be dose related, since it is known that cats vary significantly in the amount of Fel d1 they produce (11).

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Diagnosis: Concentrated extract (10,000 BAU/mL) may be used for scratch or prick-puncture testing. Puncture tests performed with a bifurcated needle in ten cat allergic persons showed a mean wheal diameter of 6.6 mm (S.D. 1.3) with a mean sum of erythema of 57.3 mm (S.D. 10.4). Intradermal tests with serial three-fold dilution of the 10,000 BAU/mL showed the following results: Serial 3-Fold Dilutions of 10,000 BAU/mL Extract Subject 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 X 6 X 7 X 8 X 9 X 10 X The mean three-fold dilution eliciting a response of 50 mm sum of erythema diameters was 11.120 (S.D. 2,38). The number of BAU/mL required to elicit this response was 0.05 (range 0.0003 to 9.24 BAU/mL).

Side Effects

ADVERSE REACTIONS Local Reactions From Skin Testing Large local reactions may result from skin tests with Standardized Cat Hair Extract. To help prevent this, a patient should be skin tested initially by the prick or scratch method. If a positive response is NOT observed, an intradermal skin test may be performed with a more dilute solution of the extract. Oral antihistamines and topical corticosteroids may be administered to relieve itching and swelling resulting from large skin test reactions. Local Reactions From Subcutaneous Injections The occurrence of a hive 5 to 15 minutes after the subcutaneous injection of extract is usually due to leakage of extract into the skin along the needle tract.

Warnings

WARNINGS This allergenic product is intended for use by physicians who are experienced in the administration of allergenic extracts and the emergency care of anaphylaxis, or for use under the guidance of an allergy specialist. Standardized Cat Hair Extract is not directly interchangeable with Standardized Cat Pelt Extract or Cat Extracts labeled in Allergy Units (AU/mL) The initial dose must be based on skin testing as described in the dosage and administration section of this insert. WARNINGS Standardized Cat Hair Extract may cause local or severe life-threatening reactions when administered to highly sensitive individuals. Physicians who use this product should be familiar with the clinical use of allergenic extract and have the necessary emergency equipment and medications available to treat systematic allergic reactions See Precautions, Adverse Reactions and Overdosage . Standardized Cat Hair Extract should not be used interchangeably with Standardized Cat Pelt Extracts or previously standardized cat extracts labeled in Allergy Units per mL. CONTRAINDICATIONS Standardized Cat Hair Extract should not be used for immunotherapy in persons who do not have cat related allergic symptoms and a positive skin test to the extract.

Storage

STORAGE AND HANDLING Extract should be stored at 2°C to 8°C since higher temperatures may adversely affect stability. Do not freeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cat Hair used for?

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Studies have shown that skin tests with cat extract are useful in the diagnosis of cat allergy. As a rule, persons with cat allergy have positive skin reactions when tested with cat extract, and non-allergic individuals rarely react (7, 8, 9). However, the relationship between a positive skin test and the appearance of clinical symptoms after exposure to a cat is not absolute, i.e., some skin-test positive persons do not experience allergic symptoms after exposure (10). Failure to experience symptoms may be dose related, since it is known that cats vary significantly in the amount of Fel d1 they produce (11).

What are the side effects of Cat Hair?

ADVERSE REACTIONS Local Reactions From Skin Testing Large local reactions may result from skin tests with Standardized Cat Hair Extract. To help prevent this, a patient should be skin tested initially by the prick or scratch method. If a positive response is NOT observed, an intradermal skin test may be performed with a more dilute solution of the extract. Oral antihistamines and topical corticosteroids may be administered to relieve itching and swelling resulting from large skin test reactions. Local Reactions From Subcutaneous Injections The occurrence of a hive 5 to 15 minutes after the subcutaneous injection of extract is usually due to leakage of extract into the skin along the needle tract.

What are the important warnings for Cat Hair?

WARNINGS This allergenic product is intended for use by physicians who are experienced in the administration of allergenic extracts and the emergency care of anaphylaxis, or for use under the guidance of an allergy specialist. Standardized Cat Hair Extract is not directly interchangeable with Standardized Cat Pelt Extract or Cat Extracts labeled in Allergy Units (AU/mL) The initial dose must be based on skin testing as described in the dosage and administration section of this insert. WARNINGS Standardized Cat Hair Extract may cause local or severe life-threatening reactions when administered to highly sensitive individuals. Physicians who use this product should be familiar with the clinical use of allergenic extract and have the necessary emergency equipment and medications available to treat systematic allergic reactions See Precautions, Adverse Reactions and Overdosage . Standardized Cat Hair Extract should not be used interchangeably with Standardized Cat Pelt Extracts or previously standardized cat extracts labeled in Allergy Units per mL. CONTRAINDICATIONS Standardized Cat Hair Extract should not be used for immunotherapy in persons who do not have cat related allergic symptoms and a positive skin test to the extract.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.