Nalbuphine (Injection)

Nalbuphine (NAL-byoo-feen)

Treats various types of severe pain. Also used during anesthesia.Belongs to a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics (pain-killers).

Brand Name(s):

Nubain
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to nalbuphine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Your medicine may be given directly into a vein, usually in your arm or chest. This is called intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us), or IV infusion.
• This medicine can also be given just under the skin in your arm, stomach, or thigh. This is called subcutaneous (sub-cue-TANE-ee-us), or SC injection.
• You can also get a shot of this medicine in a large muscle in your buttocks, thigh, or upper arm. This is called intramuscular (in-tra-MUSS-cue-lar), or IM injection.
• This medicine should be given by a person trained to give injections, such as a nurse. Sometimes you, a family member, or friend can be taught to give your medicine at home.
• Look at the medicine before injecting it. If it has changed color, or has particles in it, do not use it. Call your doctor or pharmacist.
• It may take as long as 15 minutes after injection for you to feel any pain relief. Do not use more medicine than your doctor has ordered.

If a dose is missed:

• Use your medicine as soon as possible unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• Do not take two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store any unused medicine in the carton.
• Keep this and all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using alcohol, other pain killers, or other medicines that make you sleepy such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, or medicines for depression or nervousness.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have asthma, bronchitis, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), kidney disease, or liver disease.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression, mental disorder, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.
• This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Avoid driving a car or using machinery after using a dose of this medicine.
• This medicine is a very strong pain killer, and may be habit-forming. Do not use more than your doctor ordered, or use it for longer periods of time than prescribed.
• Talk to your doctor before you stop using this medicine. You may need to use smaller and smaller doses before stopping completely.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fainting
• Slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
• Slowed breathing or shortness of breath

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Feeling sweaty or clammy
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sleepiness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.