Rocuronium

Rocuronium is given before general anesthesia when getting ready for surgery. Rocuronium helps to temporarily relax your muscles and keep your body still during surgery.

Rocuronium also relaxes the throat, making it easier to insert a breathing tube for patients who need a mechanical ventilator (breathing machine).

Rocuronium may also be used for other purposes that are not listed in this medication guide.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any type of anesthesia.

You should not be treated with rocuronium if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction during general anesthesia.

Tell your doctor if you have or ever had:

• myasthenia gravis;
• heart disease, circulation problems, pulmonary arterial hypertension;
• cancer;
• cerebral palsy;
• an electrolyte or acid-base imbalance;
• a condition that causes a fast rise in body temperature called malignant hyperthermia;
• a nerve-muscle disorder such as ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), MS (multiple sclerosis), or muscular dystrophy;
• cirrhosis or other liver disease; or
• kidney disease.

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

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

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

You will be closely monitored during treatment with rocuronium. Your medical caregivers will look for any serious side effects. Tell your medical caregivers immediately if you have:

• feeling hot;
• ongoing muscle weakness; or
• loss of movement in any part of your body.

Serious nerve and muscle problems may be more likely in older adults and people who are weak, have wasting syndrome, or cancer.

Common side effects of rocuronium may include:

• feeling like you might faint; or
• severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears.

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.

Rocuronium is injected into a vein by a healthcare provider.

Doses are based on weight.

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

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, heart rate, and other vital signs will be watched closely.

You will need frequent medical tests, and your next dose may be changed based on the results.

In a medical setting, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.

In a medical setting, an overdose will be treated quickly.

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

Rocuronium can lead to a serious heart issue. You may have a higher risk if you are also taking certain other medicines for infections, general anesthesia, a weak immune system, seizures, asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.

Other drugs can impact rocuronium, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are using.