Biorphen (injection)

Biorphen is used to raise blood pressure in adults with life-threatening low blood pressure caused by septic shock or by anesthesia during a surgery or procedure.

Biorphen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

You should not be treated with Biorphen if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• heart problems including chest pain or coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);
• pulmonary arterial hypertension;
• blood circulation problems;
• a history of a condition called autonomic dysfunction (as can occur with spinal cord injury);
• asthma or sulfite allergy;
• if you use a medicine that stimulates contractions of the uterus in a woman;
• fluid in the lungs; or
• liver or kidney disease.

It is not known if Biorphen will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using Biorphen.

In an emergency, you may not be able to tell your medical caregivers about your medical conditions or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Make sure any follow-up doctor knows you received this medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your medical caregivers right away if you have:

• pale skin, severe shortness of breath, wheezing, cough with foamy mucus;
• fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;
• severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
• chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea;
• pain, burning, irritation, or skin changes where the injection was given;
• numbness, tingling, burning pain in your hands or feet;
• dizziness;
• tremors;
• sweating or flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); or
• kidney problems--swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath.

Common side effects of Biorphen may include:

• headache;
• feeling nervous or excited; or
• nausea or vomiting.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Biorphen is injected into a vein by a healthcare provider.

You will need frequent medical tests. Your heart rate and blood pressure will be constantly monitored and your kidney function may need to be checked often.

Tell your medical caregivers if you feel any burning or pain when Biorphen is injected.

In an emergency medical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Many drugs can affect Biorphen. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.