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nesiritide-injection, Natrecor

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GENERIC NAME: NESIRITIDE - INJECTION (neh-SEER-ih-tide)

BRAND NAME(S): Natrecor

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: Nesiritide is used for the short-term treatment of an acute form of congestive heart failure (acute decompensated congestive heart failure-ADCHF). It is only to be used for people who have trouble breathing while doing little or no activity.

HOW TO USE: Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids. If you have any questions regarding the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist. Gently swirl or rock the vial after adding the mixing liquid. Do not shake the vial. Doing so could make the drug ineffective. Give this medication by vein (IV) as two separate injections (bolus followed by infusion); or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to therapy. After mixing the IV in a dextrose or saline solution, take out the correct amount of fluid to give as a single IV injection (bolus) over 1 minute. After giving the bolus dose, give the remaining IV solution over the recommended amount of time. Consult your pharmacist for details. Do not mix this medication with any other injectable medicine. Use a separate IV line for giving other injectable drugs. Your blood pressure should be monitored closely while using this medication. If you develop unusually low blood pressure, your treatment may need to be stopped or your dose reduced. Once the symptoms of acute heart failure are controlled, your treatment will be changed to different medication(s). Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: unusually fast or slow heartbeat, chest pain, back pain, stomach pain, vomiting, trouble sleeping, mental/mood changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fever, pain/swelling/redness of the injection site, tingling or numbness of the hands/feet, severe cough or coughing up blood, rash, leg cramps, vision problems, unusual tiredness or weakness, sweating. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: change in amount of urine. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

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