Giapreza (Intravenous)

Angiotensin II injection is used to raise blood pressure in adults who have septic shock or other types of shock. It is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and works by narrowing blood vessels, which raises blood pressure.

This medicine must be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

It is very important for your doctor to monitor your progress to ensure this medicine is working correctly. Blood tests may be required to check for side effects.

This medicine may raise your chances of developing blood clots. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience swelling and pain in your arms, legs, or stomach, chest pain, shortness of breath, loss of sensation, confusion, or issues with muscle control or speech.

Do not take other medicines unless your doctor has discussed them with you. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines as well as herbal or vitamin supplements.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor will need to weigh the risks of taking the medicine against the benefits it may provide. For this medicine, please consider the following:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also let your healthcare professional know if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

There have not been appropriate studies on how age affects the effects of angiotensin II injection in children. Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Geriatric

Studies conducted so far have not shown any specific problems in elderly patients that would limit the usefulness of angiotensin II injection.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction could occur. In these situations, your doctor may need to adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken at or around the time of eating food or certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may affect how this medicine works. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Blood clotting problems—Use with caution. May worsen this condition.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, you may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse right away if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Black, tarry stools
• Bleeding gums
• Blood in the urine or stools
• Confusion about time, place, or person
• Drowsiness
• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• Headache
• Nausea
• Pain in the arms, legs, or lower back, especially in the calves or heels when you exert yourself
• Pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg
• Pinpoint red spots on the skin
• Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there
• Trouble breathing
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Vomiting

Less common

• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Flushed, dry skin
• Fruit-like breath odor
• Increased hunger
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Itching of the skin
• Numbness and tingling in the face, fingers, or toes
• Pale, bluish-colored, or cold hands or feet
• Stomach pain
• Sweating
• Unexplained weight loss

Some side effects may happen that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may also tell you how to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Itching in the genitals or other skin areas
• Scaling

Other side effects not listed may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Giapreza

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Vasopressor

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It is given through a needle placed into one of your veins.

• What is Giapreza used to treat?