Drugs & Vitamins

Remifentanil Injection Active Ingredients: Remifentanil Injection What is Remifentanil injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should this medicine be used? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with Remifentanil? What side effects may I notice from receiving Remifentanil? What should I watch for while taking Remifentanil? Where can I keep my medicine? What is Remifentanil injection? (Back to top) REMIFENTANIL (Ultiva®) helps to induce and maintain anesthesia and sedation during and after surgery or other procedures. An anesthesiologist or specially trained health care professional will give remifentanil to you. Generic remifentanil injections are not available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •an infection •heart disease •high or low blood pressure •intestinal disease •kidney disease •liver disease •lung disease or breathing difficulties •seizure disorder •an allergic or unusual reaction to remifentanil, alfentanil, sufentanil, meperidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should this medicine be used? (Back to top) Remifentanil is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a specially trained health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. What drug(s) may interact with Remifentanil? (Back to top) •alcohol •dronabinol •medicines for depression (examples: MAOIs, nefazodone, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, or sertraline) •medicines for high blood pressure •medicines for psychiatric disorders •medicines for seizures •medicines for sleep •prescription medicines for pain •St. John's wort or any herbal preparations containing St. John's wort Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you that are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving Remifentanil? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: Rare or uncommon: •breathing difficulties, wheezing •cold, clammy skin •seizures •slow or fast heartbeat •skin rash •unusual weakness More common: •confusion •lightheadedness or fainting spells •decrease or difficulty passing urine Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •blurred vision •clumsiness, unsteadiness •constipation •dizziness, drowsiness •dry mouth •flushing •headache •itching •nausea/vomiting What should I watch for while taking Remifentanil? (Back to top) Remifentanil is used mostly during surgery or while you are recovering from surgery. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you continue to have pain or if you have new or different type of pain. Make sure to tell your anesthesiologist or other health care professional if you are taking any herbal products. Ideally, you should stop taking any herbal products at least 2—3 weeks before your surgery to decrease the risk of any side effects. Some products may increase the effects of remifentanil. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) This does not apply. You will only receive remifentanil in a hospital or clinic setting. You will not receive remifentanil at home. Last Updated:06/10/2004 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.