Baclofen-IT

SOURCE: www.WebMD.com

Description

Baclofen are used two different ways.  They are Baclofen-IT and Baclofen-Oral.  Below is the Baclofen-IT expiation:

BACLOFEN - INJECTION

Baclofen IT Warnings

Serious (rarely fatal) problems may occur if you suddenly stop this medication. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following signs of a withdrawal reaction: high fever, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion), worsening of muscle tightness/stiffness, itching, dizziness, numbness/tingling of the hands/feet, unusual change in the amount of urine. Special caution is advised for certain patients who are at greater risk (e.g., patients with spinal cord injuries at T-6 or above, trouble communicating, previous withdrawal reaction with oral or injectable baclofen).

To prevent a withdrawal reaction and to make sure that this drug is not suddenly stopped, always keep your scheduled appointments for refilling the pump. Your doctor will check that the pump is programmed and working properly during these appointments. If you must miss a refill appointment, contact your doctor immediately to reschedule the appointment before you run out of medication. Also learn what your pump alarm sounds like. If you hear the alarm, contact your doctor immediately.

Baclofen IT Uses

Baclofen is used to treat muscle tightness and cramping (spasms) caused by certain conditions such as spinal cord injury/disease, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis. It works by relaxing the muscles. Decreasing spasms helps reduce pain and stiffness, improves your ability to move around, and lets you do more of your daily activities. Baclofen injection is used in patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate the side effects of baclofen taken by mouth.

How to use Baclofen IT

This medication is injected only into the space around the spinal cord (intrathecally) as directed by your doctor. This drug is usually given using a drug pump implanted under your skin. A health care professional will usually fill and refill the pump with medication. Dosage is based on your condition and response to therapy. Before using, this product should be checked visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. If you have questions about using this medication properly, consult your health care professional.

Do not suddenly stop treatment with this drug because serious withdrawal symptoms may occur. See Warning section. To prevent a withdrawal reaction when stopping extended, regular treatment with this drug, gradually reduce the dosage as directed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Baclofen IT Side Effects

Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, headache, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, seizures, numbness/tingling of the hands/feet, unsteadiness, vision changes, fainting.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, redness/swelling at the pump site), unexplained stiff neck, severe headache, trouble breathing.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Baclofen IT Precautions

Before using baclofen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, seizures, strokes, mental/mood disorders, a certain nervous system disorder (autonomic dysreflexia).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, the elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Baclofen IT Interactions

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, trazodone).

Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Also report the use of drugs which might increase seizure risk (decrease seizure threshold) when combined with baclofen such as phenothiazines (e.g., thioridazine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), isoniazid (INH), or theophylline, among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Baclofen IT Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents should call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents should call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness, slow/shallow breathing, seizures, severe muscle weakness, loss of consciousness.

NOTES:

Keep all of your refill appointments. If you plan to travel, talk with your doctor ahead of time about your refill schedule so you do not run out of medication while you are away from home.

MISSED DOSE:

If you must miss a refill appointment, contact your doctor immediately to reschedule before the pump runs out of drug.

STORAGE:

Before the medication is placed in the pump, store baclofen injection at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). Refrigeration is not required. Do not freeze. Discard any unused portion from opened medication containers.

Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Information last revised August 2007 Copyright© 2007 First DataBank