Copperhead snake bite study

The use of antivenom for treatment of copperhead snake bites is not always used. This study is being done to find out if people recover better after being bitten by a copperhead snake bite. Copperhead snake bites are rarely deadly. Most people bitten by a copperhead will develop pain and swelling in the limb that is bitten. Patients who choose to take part will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive the antivenom called CroFab®. The other group will receive a placebo (looks like the drug, but does not contain an active ingredient). Neither the participant nor their study doctor will know which treatment was received. Participants will be watched for 20-36 hours at the hospital. After leaving the hospital, participants will return 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after the snake bite for a 30-60 minute follow-up visit. Participants will also receive telephone calls 10, 17 and 24 days after the snake bite for a brief 10-15 minute follow-up conversation. Participants will complete various assessments throughout the study.