Frequently Asked Snakebite Questions

Q: How common are venomous bites?
A: Of the estimated 45,000 snakebites each year in the United States, approximately 7,000 to 8,000 involve venomous species.

Q: Are all snakes poisonous?
A: Two families of venomous snakes are native to the United States. The vast majority are pit vipers, of the family Crotalinae, which include rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths (water moccasins). About 99 percent of the venomous bites in this country are from pit vipers. The other family of domestic poisonous snakes is Elapidae, which includes two species of coral snakes found chiefly in the Southern states. 

Q:  How are pit viper and elapid bites treated?
There is a significant difference between the venom from North American crotalid snakes and coral snakes, as well as the antivenom products used to treat each of these.  Venom from a North American crotalid is hemotoxic, attacking the tissue and blood, while elapid (Coral snake) venom is neurotoxic, damaging or destroying the nerve tissue.  CroFab^® Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (Ovine) is the only FDA approved antivenom available in the US to treat mild or moderate North American pit viper envenomation (see complete CroFab^® indication and safety information at the bottom of this page).  It works by binding and neutralizing the North American crotalid venom toxins.  It is not indicated to treat coral snakebite.  Coral snake antivenom is no longer manufactured and there is a limited supply available.

Q: Are all snakebites fatal?
A: No. While about 8,000 people a year receive venomous bites in the United States, only five to six victims die. Some experts say that it is because victims cannot always positively identify a poisonous snake, they do not seek prompt medical attention or they may not believe the snake is poisonous.

Q: What are the early onset and long-term signs and symptoms of injury?
A: Early onset symptoms of poisonous snakebites include pain, puncture wounds from fangs, blurred vision, blood from the wound, dizziness, excessive sweating, fainting, loss of muscle coordination, swelling, weakness, rapid pulse, nausea and vomiting. Long-term effects of poisonous snakebites include loss of limb, decreased mobility and tissue death or necrosis at the site of the injury.

Q: How can I avoid being bitten by a snake?
A: Some bites, such as those inflicted when snakes are accidentally stepped on or encountered in wilderness settings, are difficult to prevent. But experts say a few precautions can lower the risk of being bitten: leave snakes alone. Many people are bitten because they try to kill a snake or get a closer look at it. Stay out of tall grass unless you wear thick leather boots, and remain on hiking paths as much as possible. Keep hands and feet out of areas you can't see. Don't pick up rocks or firewood unless you are out of a snake's striking distance. Be cautious and alert when climbing rocks.

Q: Should you immediately seek treatment if you are bitten?
A: Yes. If you cannot seek attention immediately, many health-care professionals embrace just a few basic first-aid techniques.  Wash the bite with soap and water, immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart.

Q:  Do victims need to identify the snake that bit them?
A:  Do not waste time or take any risks trying to kill, bag or bring the offending snake to the hospital.  This may lead to a second bite.  Also, avoid handling a dead snake.  They retain their bite reflex, so it is best to stay away

 
CroFab^® indication and important safety information 

CroFab^® Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (Ovine) is indicated for the management of patients with minimal or moderate North American crotalid envenomation.  The term crotalid is used to describe the Crotalinae subfamily (formerly known as Crotalidae) of venomous snakes, which includes rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths/water moccasins.  Early use of CroFab^® (within 6 hours of snakebite) is advised to prevent clinical deterioration and the occurrence of systemic coagulation abnormalities.

The most common adverse events reported in clinical studies were mild or moderate reactions involving the skin and appendages (primarily urticaria, rash or pruritus), which occurred in 14 out of 42 patients.  Three patients experienced a serious adverse event.  Two patients had a severe allergic reaction (severe hives and a severe rash and pruritus) following treatment.  One patient had a recurrent coagulopathy due to envenomation, which required re-hospitalization and additional antivenin administration. In clinical trials, recurrent coagulopathy (the return of a coagulation abnormality after it has been successfully treated with antivenin), characterized by decreased fibrinogen, decreased platelets and elevated prothrombin time, occurred in approximately half of the patients studied. Recurrent coagulopathy may persist for one to two weeks or more.  One patient discontinued CroFab^® therapy due to an allergic reaction.  Patients with allergies to papain, chymopapain, other papaya extracts or the pineapple enzyme bromelain may also be at risk for an allergic reaction to CroFab^®. 

© CroFab^® is manufactured by/registered trademark of Protherics US Inc., Brentwood, TN  37027 and distributed by Savage Laboratories^®, Melville, NY  11747

Please click on the CroFab^® full prescribing information link at left for complete prescribing information, including events, precautions or warnings.