Vazculep (injection)

Vazculep is used to increase blood pressure in adults who have life-threatening low blood pressure due to septic shock or from anesthesia during a surgery or procedure.

Vazculep may also be used for reasons that are not included in this medication guide.

Use only as directed. Inform your doctor if you take other medicines or have any other medical conditions or allergies.

You should not be treated with Vazculep 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 Vazculep 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 Vazculep.

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, difficulty 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 Vazculep 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.

Vazculep 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 Vazculep is injected.

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

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

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

Many medicines can interact with Vazculep. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are mentioned here. Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.