Nesiritide, BNP injection

What is this medicine?

NESIRITIDE, BNP is a vasodilator. This medicine increases the blood and oxygen supply to your heart by relaxing blood vessels. It is used to treat congestive heart failure in patients who experience shortness of breath when at rest or during small amounts of activity.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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

• chest pain

• confusion

• fever

• irregular, slow or fast heartbeat, palpitations

• low blood pressure

• numbness, tingling, cramps, pain or weakness in the hands, legs, or feet

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unusually weak or tired

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

• back pain

• headache

• nausea

• nervousness

• redness or swelling at site where injected

• stomach pain

• sweating

• trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• sildenafil - do not take within 24 hours of this medication to avoid side effects such as low blood pressure.

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• medicines for high blood pressure

• milrinone

• nitroglycerin

• nitroprusside

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug 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:

• heart disease

• kidney disease

• low blood pressure or low blood volume

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

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

You will be closely monitored by a health care professional while you receive this medicine. Your blood pressure, heart function, and breathing will be monitored for signs of improvement in the heart failure.

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 can make you more dizzy, increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.