Rocuronium injection

What is rocuronium injection?

ROCURONIUM (Zemuron®) is a muscle relaxant. It is used during surgery to relax your muscles or in patients who are on breathing machines (ventilators). It is given only by experienced medical professionals. Generic rocuronium injections are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive rocuronium?

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

• liver disease

• kidney disease

• other chronic illness

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

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Rocuronium is for injection into a vein, or infusion into a vein. It is given by a 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?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with rocuronium?

• bacitracin

• certain antibiotics given by injection

• magnesium salts

• polymixin B

• quinidine

• tetracycline antibiotics

• vancomycin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you 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 should I watch for while taking rocuronium?

You will be carefully monitored for side effects while you receive rocuronium, and for some time afterwards.

What side effects may I notice from receiving rocuronium?

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

• chest pain

• fainting or lightheadedness

• pain, swelling or inflammation at the injection site

• shortness of breath, wheezing

• unusual muscle weakness or tiredness

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

• hiccups

• itching

• nausea, vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store under refrigeration between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze. After removal of the injection to room temperature, use within 30 days. Throw away any unused injection solution.