bumetanide 0.25 mg/mL injection solution

Generic name:
Bumetanide - injection

Pronunciation
(bue-MET-a-nide)

Brand name(s)
Bumex

This is a very strong medication. Using too much of this drug can lead to serious water and mineral loss (dehydration). It is important that you be closely monitored by your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you become very thirsty or confused or if you develop muscle cramps/weakness while using this medication.

Bumetanide is used to reduce extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. Getting rid of extra water helps to reduce fluid in the lungs so that you can breathe easier. It also helps to decrease swelling of the arms, legs, and stomach/abdomen. This medication is known as a diuretic (the same kind of drug as a "water pill"). It causes your body to get rid of extra water by increasing the amount of urine you make.

This medication is given by injection into a vein or into a muscle, as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose, use this more often than prescribed, or stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

If you use this drug too close to bedtime, you may need to wake up to urinate. It is best to use this medication at least 4 hours before your bedtime. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosing schedule.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

This medication is expected to increase urination.

Dizziness, headache, tiredness, nausea, or pain/redness at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, including unusual dry mouth/thirst, muscle cramps/weakness, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, or confusion.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• numbness/tingling/pain/redness/swelling of the arms/legs
• fainting
• chest pain
• hearing problems (such as ringing in the ears, hearing loss)
• easy bruising/bleeding
• signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using bumetanide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• kidney disease
• liver problems
• untreated mineral imbalance (such as low blood levels of sodium or potassium)
• gout
• irregular heartbeat (such as ventricular arrhythmias)
• dehydration

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause dehydration and cause you to feel lightheaded. Tell your doctor if you have severe diarrhea or vomiting. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor tells you not to.

If you have diabetes, bumetanide may rarely make it harder to control your blood sugar. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and share the results with your doctor.

This drug may reduce the potassium levels in your blood. Ask your doctor about adding potassium to your diet. Your doctor may prescribe a potassium supplement.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness.

Newborn babies, especially those that are severely ill or have a certain liver problem (jaundice), may be at greater risk for serious side effects (brain damage caused by too much bilirubin in the blood - kernicterus) while using this drug. Consult the doctor for more details.

During pregnancy, this drug should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include:

• desmopressin
• lithium
• probenecid

Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure or worsen your swelling. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: an unusual increase in urination followed by a severe decrease in the amount of urine, severe weakness, weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, fainting.

Dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the dietary changes that might benefit you.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood mineral levels such as potassium, kidney function) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.