Nesiritide (Intravenous)

Nesiritide is used for patients who have severe congestive heart failure that has recently worsened. Nesiritide is for patients who are short of breath while resting or with very little activity.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor will weigh the risks of the medicine against its benefits. Here are some important points to consider for this medicine:

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 about any other allergies you have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Research on this medicine has only been conducted in adults, and there is no specific information comparing the use of nesiritide in children to its use in other age groups.

Geriatric

This medicine has been tested and does not appear to cause different side effects or issues in older adults compared to younger adults.

Breast Feeding

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

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these situations, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. It is especially important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below while using this medicine. The following interactions have been highlighted for their potential significance and are not necessarily a complete list.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may increase the risk of certain side effects, but using both may still be the best choice for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or frequency of one or both medicines.

• Benazepril
• Captopril
• Enalapril
• Enalaprilat
• Fosinopril
• Lisinopril
• Moexipril
• Perindopril
• Quinapril
• Ramipril
• Trandolapril
• Zofenopril

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken 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. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Other medical problems may affect how you can use this medicine. Make sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Heart disease (other than congestive heart failure)—Nesiritide may worsen heart problems.

• Low blood pressure—Nesiritide 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, they may need medical attention.

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

More common

• Low blood pressure

Less common

• Bluish lips or skin
• Chest pain, tightness, or discomfort
• Cool, clammy skin
• Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Lightheadedness
• Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

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

More common

• Headache

Less common

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• Anxiety
• Back pain
• Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles," or tingling feelings on the skin
• Change in vision
• Confusion
• Coughing or spitting up blood
• Fever
• Increased cough
• Itching skin
• Leg cramps
• Nausea
• Pain or irritation at the injection site
• Pale skin, unusual bleeding or bruising
• Rash
• Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• Sleeplessness
• Sweating
• Trembling or shakiness
• Vomiting

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.

• Natrecor

Pharmacologic Class: Natriuretic Peptide

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For injection dosage form:For congestive heart failure: Adults—Dose is based on your weight and must be determined by your doctor. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.