Antivenom, also known as antivenin, venom antiserum,and antivenom immunoglobulin, is a medication made from antibodies thatis used to treat certain venomous bites and stings. Antivenomsare recommended only if there is significant toxicity or a high risk oftoxicity. The specific antivenom needed depends on the species involved. Itis given by injection. Side effects may be severe. They include serumsickness, shortness of breath, and allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Antivenomis made by collecting venom from the relevant animal and injecting smallamounts of it into a domestic animal. The antibodies that form are thencollected from the domestic animal's blood and purified. Â