POM-V Prescription Required

Hypermune-Equine Plasma

Active ingredient: Equine plasma

Form

Solution

Species

Horses

Manufacturer

Veterinary Immunogenics Ltd

VMD MA No.

18513/5000

What it's used for

For foals with Failure of Passive Transfer To raise the level of circulating IgG in neonatal foals which have been shown to have low levels (less than 4 g/...

Full indications, dosage and side effects ↓

View official SPC (PDF)

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Paying less for Equine plasma

1

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2

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Clinical information

Hypermune-Equine Plasma — SPC Details

Source: VMD Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC). Last updated 26 Mar 2026.

For foals with Failure of Passive Transfer
To raise the level of circulating IgG in neonatal foals which have been shown to
have low levels (less than 4 g/l). The raised level has been demonstrated
approximately 24 hours after administration but the duration of the effect is not
known.

For foals with Failure of Passive Transfer
Hypermune may be administered to foals from 24 hours to 6 days of age where it
has been shown after testing that they have low levels of serum IgG (less than 4
g/l). The dose required is one litre for a 50 kg foal (and pro rata, i.e. 20 ml per kg).
A blood sample should be collected from the foal approximately 24 hours later and
re-tested for the level of serum IgG. If this is still low, a further dose may be
administered. This should be given within 24 – 48 hours of the first administration
and be given in the same manner as the first (intravenously, via a blood giving set,
over 15 - 20 minutes).
Method of administration
The required dose is administered via a catheter placed in the jugular vein using a
blood giving set equipped with a mesh filter. The product should be administered
slowly, particularly at the start, and administration should take 15 – 20 minutes.
Throughout the administration, the foal should be monitored for signs of adverse
reactions.

Revised: November 2025
MA split from NI Expiry following AN: 02236/2025
Thawing should not take place in a microwave oven. The litre bag of plasma should
be immersed only in warm water at not more than 40 ºC. A water bath such as a
sink full of domestic warm water is ideal. As the plasma thaws and the water cools,
more warm water may be added as required but hot water (not greater than hand
hot) must be avoided as it will damage the proteins. The entire litre of plasma should
be brought slowly to body temperature before use to ensure all the cryoprecipitate is
dissolved. Under optimum conditions this whole process may take 2-2½ hours.
Occasionally small amounts of fibrin may still be seen floating in the plasma. It is not
significant but must be filtered out by the filter in the blood administration set.
Inspect for leakage and if apparent on thawing the entire contents must be
discarded.

None

It should be noted that ACD-A is an excipient and that excess citrate may cause a
reaction in the recipient foal. This may be seen as muscle fasciculations, weakness
and cardiac abnormalities.
Transfusion Reactions are very rare; signs include tachycardia, hyperventilating and
trembling.

Revised: November 2025
MA split from NI Expiry following AN: 02236/2025
Anaphylaxis is very rare, but can occur with products of this nature. Signs include
tachycardia, hyperventilating and trembling, or other signs such as colic, pyrexia,
cardiac arrhythmias, urticaria and collapse.
Volume Overload is a rare hazard of plasma transfusion especially if the
administration is carried out in foals compromised in any way or too quickly. Signs
include respiratory distress, hyperventilation, staggering and collapse when in
standing restraint. Additionally, if the foal is in lateral recumbency froth may be seen
at the nostril.
Measures to avoid these adverse reactions are detailed in section 4.5

None

Revised: November 2025
MA split from NI Expiry following AN: 02236/2025

i) Special precautions for use in animals
Do not administer more than 2 doses to an animal.
If a second dose is required do not administer this before 24 hours.
To reduce risk of adverse reactions:
Transfusion Reactions. Careful monitoring, especially at the start and
throughout the transfusion is essential. Distinction must be made between
reaction to restraint and catheterisation and signs attributable to transfusion
reaction. If tachycardia, hyperventilating or trembling occurs, the transfusion
should be slowed down or stopped altogether. If signs abate within five
minutes, as they should, then the transfusion should be continued. If they recur
again, the transfusion should be stopped entirely.
Anaphylaxis. Careful monitoring, especially at the start and throughout the
transfusion, is essential. If tachycardia, hyperventilating or trembling occurs,
the transfusion should be slowed down or stopped altogether. If signs abate
within five minutes, as they should, then the transfusion should be continued. If
they recur again, the transfusion should be stopped entirely. If severe, or other
signs occur such as colic, pyrexia, cardiac arrhythmias, urticaria and collapse,
the transfusion should be stopped and if necessary epinephrine (0.01mg/kg),
corticosteroids and intravenous saline administered. These emergency drugs
should always be on hand. Flunixin meglumine at 0.25mg/kg may be used
prophylactically to reduce the incidence of side effects.
Volume Overload. Volume overload is a possible hazard of plasma transfusion
especially if the administration is carried out in foals compromised in any way
or too quickly. Every foal should be fully clinically examined prior to transfusion
and in the case of compromised foals the transfusion should be maintained at
a slow rate, 1 litre for a 50 kg foal or pro rata in 1 hour. Careful monitoring
throughout the transfusion is essential. If hyperventilating, respiratory distress
or trembling occurs, the transfusion should be slowed down or stopped
altogether. Diuretics may be used in severe cases.
ii) Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary
medicinal product to animals
Administer only using a blood giving set to minimise risk of self-injection. In
case of accidental contact with skin, wash affected areas thoroughly with warm
soapy water.

Safety and efficacy data are available which demonstrate that Hypermune can be
administered on the same day but not mixed with tetanus antitoxin.
No information is available on the safety and efficacy of Hypermune when used with
any other veterinary medicinal product except the product mentioned above. A
decision to use this product before or after any other veterinary medicinal product
therefore needs to be made on a case by case basis.
As with colostrum derived passive immunity, the passive immunity transferred by
Hypermune may interfere with response to vaccine. It is recommended that this is
considered when starting a vaccine programme with due adherence to the vaccine
manufacturer’s instructions.

Store in a freezer (-30 °C to -15 °C)
HYPERMUNE should be handled carefully when being unpacked and stored in the
freezer. The outer packaging should not be removed as it protects the brittle frozen
plastic which is susceptible to damage from careless handling such as being dropped
or knocked in the freezer. When thawed it should be stored in a refrigerator.

Zero days.
5. IMMUNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
To modulate the immune system by providing equine immunoglobulins.
ATCvet code: QI05AM.

This information is sourced from the official Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). It is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before administering any medication.