Hey, guys. There are obvious benefits to having antivenin available to hospitals and various types of professional herp-keeping institutions. One of the "reasons" I hear that individuals should not keep hots (among MANY others) is that if the person is bitten, valuable antivenin would be taken from these stocks and then be unavailable to the pros. Okay, I get it. But I have also heard from various posts to this forum that there are more than a few of you that have your own supply ( in so many words).
Please forgive the long post, but I have a question. I consider myself a responsible keeper, with many years' practice, but I am just a citizen with no pro affiliation. Is it actually possible for me to obtain the appropriate antivenin for my needs, and if so, where? I realize the expense, but if I can make the purchase, I will. Please enlighten me... Thanks 
Reptile & Amphibian Forums
Welcome to kingsnake.com's message board system. Here you may share and discuss information with others about your favorite reptile and amphibian related topics such as care and feeding, caging requirements, permits and licenses, and more. Launched in 1997, the kingsnake.com message board system is one of the oldest and largest systems on the internet.
Antivenin
Replies (5)
Yes you can obtain it as a private individual. The method depends on whether you want to obtain FDA approved A/V(i.e., CROFAB) for native species, or a foreign A/V for exotic species. For FDA approved antisera, simply talk to your personal physician as they would need to write a prescription for you to obtain it AND it costs and arm and a leg to purchase.
For exotic sera, you need to obtain an FDA investigational Drug Number first, then a USDA import permit (takes about a 30 days to arrive). The link below to the SHHS website file library outlines the process. Some of the info is dated, as the FDA has changed its website, and many forms are filled out online via PDF. DO a search for FDA CBER (Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.
SHHS FIle Library
Thank you so very much for your response. I never thought it might be possible, but wasn't sure. In reality though, in filing all the forms and so forth (for the exotic stuff) I would think that you would bring all kinds of law enforcement down on your head. (I'm not 100% sure if everything I own is legal..even tho it is all from legal sources.) I might be afraid to try but I will look into it further. Thank you. Kerry
Well, I assume what you have is legal to keep wherever you are. If not, that's your own problem to deal with.
I'm pretty sure I'm ok - I certainly try to be. Sometimes a bit hard to keep up with the laws. Thanks for the help, Matt.
Kerry
.
