PHOENIX (March 6, 2019) – Medical toxicologists at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix treated a patient for rattlesnake envenomation on March 3 using recently approved antivenin, Anavip.
Samuel Evans, 44, was hiking Mountain Tank Regional Park near Waddell, Ariz. with his girlfriend, Tracy, when they encountered a Western diamondback rattlesnake. Evans was bitten on his right thumb while attempting to move the rattlesnake off the trail.
“I love the outdoors and I am an active outdoorsman, but while we are out in nature we have to keep in mind that this is their environment and we can’t interrupt it,” said Samuel Evans.
Evans received treatment with CroFab antivenom at another Arizona hospital. He experienced an allergic reaction to the drug after being transported to Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. Upon arrival, medical toxicologists administered Anavip, the newest treatment on the market for both adult and pediatric patients with a North American rattlesnake envenomation. Anavip was approved by the Federal Drug Administration in October 2018.
“This case highlights the importance of having more than one treatment option and we were thankful to have Anavip, another antivenom, to treat Mr. Evan’s envenomation,” said Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix medical toxicologist, Dr. Ayrn O’Connor.
Evans is the first patient in the United States to receive treatment with Anavip since it became available last October. In clinical trials, Anavip was shown to work well in reversing the symptoms associated with an acute rattlesnake bite. Anavip contains venom-specific fragments of immunoglobin that combine and neutralize venom toxins moving them away from tissue and ultimately out of the body. This new antivenom differs from previously approved antivenom by reducing the likelihood of late or delayed bleeding disorders that may lead to hemorrhage or death.
“This new antivenom will have a significant impact in reducing the risk of recurrent bleeding abnormalities, speeding patients’ return to normal activities,” said Dr. O’Connor. “This is especially important in Samuel’s case, helping him get back to the active lifestyle he loves.”
Evans received care in the intensive care unit of Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix and is recovering well. He hopes to be back out on the trails soon to enjoy what nature has to offer.
Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix is a large teaching hospital that has provided medical care to Arizona and the Southwest since 1911. It is part of Banner – University Medicine, a premier academic medical network. The hospital, recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the nation’s best hospitals, specializes in heart care, cancer care, high-risk obstetrics, neurosciences and stroke care, organ transplants and emergency care, including a Level 1 trauma center. Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix is part of Banner Health, a nonprofit health care system with 28 hospitals in six states. The institution, which has trained thousands of doctors over decades as a teaching hospital, is the academic medical center for the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. For more information, visit www.bannerhealth.com/UniversityPhoenix.
The Banner Poison and Drug Information Center is a phone call away, and can be reached at 1-800-222-1222. The center provides a free, 24-hour Emergency telephone service for both residents and medical professionals of Maricopa County. For more information, visit www.BannerHealth.com/poisoncenter.