Are antivenoms effective?
Clinical studies have shown that antivenoms can reduce mortality and serious complications from snakebites. However, the effectiveness of these medications can be influenced by several factors, particularly the snake species. Indeed, not all antivenoms are effective against all venoms.
Timing of administration is another factor that can affect antidote effectiveness. The sooner the antivenom is administered after the bite, the more effective it is. A delay of just one hour can increase the risk of death by 1%.
Risks and side effects
Even when effective, antivenoms can cause allergic reactions, ranging from mild symptoms (itching, rash) to more severe reactions (anaphylactic shock). These effects are more common with first-generation antivenoms, which are made from crude animal serum. Second-generation antivenoms, which are more purified, have a lower risk of adverse effects.
Research is progressing toward the development of a universal antivenom capable of neutralizing the venoms of multiple snake species. A recent study showed that antibodies extracted from the blood of a researcher who was voluntarily bitten by snakes could neutralize the venoms of 13 different species in mice. While promising, this approach still requires clinical trials in humans before widespread use.
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