<P> Antivenom, also known as antivenin, venom antiserum and antivenom immunoglobulin, is a medication made from antibodies which is used to treat certain venomous bites and stings . They are recommended only if there is significant toxicity or a high risk of toxicity . The specific antivenom needed depends on the species involved . It is given by injection . </P> <P> Side effects may be severe . They include serum sickness, shortness of breath, and allergic reactions including anaphylaxis . Antivenom is made by collecting venom from the relevant animal and injecting small amounts of it into a domestic animal . The antibodies that form are then collected from the domestic animal's blood and purified . Versions are available for spider bites, snake bites, fish stings, and scorpion stings . </P> <P> Antivenom was first developed in the late 1800s and came into common use in the 1950s . They are on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system . Depending on the type, the wholesale cost in the developing world is 9.00 to 118.80 USD per vial . In the United States the wholesale cost is as high as 2,300 USD per dose . </P> <P> The principle of antivenom is based on that of vaccines, developed by Edward Jenner; however, instead of inducing immunity in the patient directly, it is induced in a host animal and the hyperimmunized serum is transfused into the patient . </P>

Treatment of snake bite by antivenin is providing