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Deproteinized hemoderivative from calf blood

Other metabolic agents (local classification)

ATC code: V03AX-ACTOVEGIN(Deproteinized hemoderivative (local code))

Updated · Methodology

Marketing claims without evidence base

The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.

D

Diabetic polyneuropathy

Not recommended

A single published RCT (Ziegler 2009) showed a modest improvement in subjective diabetic polyneuropathy symptoms with intravenous administration. The study has not been replicated in independent multicenter work since. International guidelines from 2024 and 2022 on painful diabetic neuropathy do not mention Actovegin; first-line options are pregabalin, gabapentin, duloxetine, and venlafaxine.

Sources

  1. AAN: Practice Guideline: Treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (2022)
  2. ADA: Standards of Care in Diabetes 2024 – pharmacologic approaches to glycemic treatment (2024)

ICD-10: G63.2 · ICD-11: 8C03.0

How to read tiers A–F
  • AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
  • BRecommended in selected cases
  • CStudy data contradict each other
  • DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
  • FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit

Mechanism of action

The biologically active component is a low-molecular-weight fraction of a deproteinized calf blood extract. The manufacturer claims improved tissue glucose and oxygen utilization. The mechanism is not described in international pharmacological literature. The product is not registered in the United States or Canada and was withdrawn from the market in Switzerland. It is not available in most Western European countries.

Safety

Contraindications

  • Decompensated heart failure
  • Pulmonary edema
  • Oliguria, anuria
  • Fluid retention
  • Hypersensitivity

Serious adverse effects

  • Anaphylactic reactions (rare but described)
  • Anaphylactic shock (very rare)

Common adverse effects

  • Allergic reactions
  • Injection site redness and pain

Pregnancy: can you take Deproteinized hemoderivative from calf blood?

Use in pregnancy only under strict indication and supervision. International recommendations are unavailable.

Breastfeeding: can you take Deproteinized hemoderivative from calf blood?

There are no data on the transfer of deproteinised calf-blood haemodialysate into human milk. The product is a mixture of low-molecular peptides, amino acids, nucleosides and electrolytes derived from calf blood, and its pharmacokinetics as a medicinal substance are not characterised. Cochrane reviews and EMA have not confirmed efficacy claims. Routine use during breastfeeding is not supported.

Calculate RID

Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.

Practical notes

Russian practice note

Actovegin is manufactured by Takeda and registered in Russia and several Eastern European, Asian, and CIS countries. It has never been registered in the United States or Canada. It was withdrawn from the market in Switzerland. It is not available in most Western European countries. The active component is biological (derived from calf blood), historically discussed in the context of theoretical prion risk. Large independent efficacy trials meeting current standards are lacking; the existing evidence base is limited to studies partly funded by the manufacturer.

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Frequently asked

What is Deproteinized hemoderivative from calf blood used for?

Deproteinized hemoderivative from calf blood is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Diabetic polyneuropathy (evidence tier D), Ischemic stroke (evidence tier F), Cognitive impairment (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Deproteinized hemoderivative from calf blood?

Common side effects of Deproteinized hemoderivative from calf blood (≥ 1 in 100): Allergic reactions, Injection site redness and pain. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.

Is Deproteinized hemoderivative from calf blood safe during pregnancy?

Use in pregnancy only under strict indication and supervision. International recommendations are unavailable.

Is Deproteinized hemoderivative from calf blood compatible with breastfeeding?

There are no data on the transfer of deproteinised calf-blood haemodialysate into human milk. The product is a mixture of low-molecular peptides, amino acids, nucleosides and electrolytes derived from calf blood, and its pharmacokinetics as a medicinal substance are not characterised. Cochrane reviews and EMA have not confirmed efficacy claims. Routine use during breastfeeding is not supported.

Who should not take Deproteinized hemoderivative from calf blood?

Deproteinized hemoderivative from calf blood is contraindicated in: Decompensated heart failure; Pulmonary edema; Oliguria, anuria; Fluid retention; Hypersensitivity. Full list in the Safety section.

Official sources

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