Desflurane inhalation vapour, liquid

What is this medicine?

DESFLURANE (des FLOO rane) is a medicine that you breathe to help reduce any pain from a procedure or surgery.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for inhalation. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as newborns for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• dark urine

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms

• right upper belly pain

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• cough

• drowsiness

• nausea, vomiting

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• certain medicines for sleep

• narcotic medicines for pain

• neuromuscular blockers like pancuronium, vecuronium, and atracurium

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply; this medicine is not for regular use.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This medicine is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• a history of malignant hyperthermia

• brain tumor

• heart disease

• liver disease

• neuromuscular disease like Duchenne muscular dystrophy

• an unusual or allergic reaction to desflurane, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.