terbutaline 1 mg/mL subcutaneous solution

Generic name:
Terbutaline - subcutaneous injection

Pronunciation
(ter-BYOO-ta-leen)

Brand name(s)
Brethine

Terbutaline should not be used for more than 2-3 days when treating early labor. Using terbutaline for prevention or prolonged treatment (greater than 2-3 days) of early labor has risks to the mother that are greater than any possible benefits. Serious (sometimes fatal) side effects have rarely occurred in mothers using terbutaline during labor, such as chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeats, and trouble breathing. Tell your doctor right away should any of these side effects occur. If you are pregnant or become pregnant and are using terbutaline for another medical condition (such as asthma), talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether terbutaline is still right for you.

Terbutaline is used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath from lung problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, bronchitis, emphysema). Terbutaline belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators. It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily.

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This medication is also used in pregnant women for no more than 2-3 days to stop early labor. See Warning Section.

This medication is given by injection under the skin as directed by your doctor. The injection is given in the shoulder/upper arm area. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not use more than 0.5 milligrams of this medication over a 4-hour period.

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 take other asthma drugs by mouth or with inhaling devices, ask your doctor about how to correctly use this medication with your other asthma medicines.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Nervousness, shaking (tremor), dizziness, drowsiness, headache, or pain at injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

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 raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.

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

• fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat
• muscle cramps
• weakness
• seizures

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

• chest pain
• rapid breathing
• confusion

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. See Warning Section.

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 terbutaline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar bronchodilators (such as albuterol, metaproterenol); or to sympathomimetic drugs (such as epinephrine, pseudoephedrine); 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:

• heart disease (such as irregular heartbeat, coronary artery disease)
• high blood pressure
• seizures
• overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• diabetes
• low blood potassium level (hypokalemia)

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).

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 the effects on the heart.

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

Terbutaline 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.

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: severe headache, severe dizziness, seizures, fast/irregular heartbeat, chest pain.

Do not share this medication with others.

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

Avoid allergens, irritants, smoking, and other factors that make asthma worse.

Learn to use a peak flow meter, use it daily, and promptly report worsening asthma (such as readings in the yellow/red range or increased use of quick-relief inhalers).

Not applicable.

Store at room temperature. Keep the medication in the original carton to protect from light. Discard any unused portion. 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.

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

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.