Human albumin is a protein that helps maintain blood fluids by absorbing excess water from tissues and maintaining blood volume. Thus, this protein can be used in severe situations, when it is necessary to increase the volume of blood or to reduce the swelling, as it happens in the burns or serious bleeds.
The best-known commercial name of this substance is Albumax, however, it can not be purchased in conventional pharmacies, and is used only in the hospital for the physician's indication. Other names of this medicine include Albuminar 20%, Blaubimax, Beribumi or Plasbumin 20, for example.
This type of albumin should not be used to increase muscle mass, in these cases it is recommended to use albumin supplements.
Price
The price of human albumin is approximately 65 reais in a 10 ml vial at 20%. However, this type of medicine can not be bought in pharmacies and is only used in hospital treatment.
What is it for
Human albumin is indicated in cases where it is necessary to correct the volume of blood and the amount of liquid in the tissues as in cases of:
- Kidney or liver problems;
- Severe burns;
- Severe bleeding;
- Swelling of the brain;
- Generalized infections;
- Dehydration;
- Decreased blood pressure.
In addition, it can also be used in newborns and infants, especially in cases of excess bilirubin or decreased albumin following complex surgeries.
How to use
This medicine should be administered directly into the vein and, therefore, should only be used by a healthcare professional in the hospital. The dose generally varies according to the problem being treated and the patient's weight.
Main side effects
The most common side effects include nausea, redness and skin lesions, fever and allergic reaction of the whole body, which can be fatal.
Who should not use
Albumin is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to formula components with abnormal heart and blood volume in patients with varicose veins in the esophagus, severe anemia, dehydration, pulmonary edema, prone to bleeding without apparent cause and absence of urine.
The use of this medication should not be done during pregnancy or during breast-feeding without medical advice.
