Nalbuphine injection
What is nalbuphine injection?
NALBUPHINE (Nubain®) is an opiate pain medication that relieves moderate to severe pain. Nalbuphine can help relieve pain during labor and delivery and can help to supplement anesthesia when given before surgery. Generic nalbuphine injections are available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive nalbuphine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
If you frequently drink alcohol-containing beverages
constipation
heart disease
kidney disease
intestinal disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease or ulcerative colitis
liver disease
lung disease, such as asthma or COPD
an unusual or allergic reaction to nalbuphine, morphine, codeine, parabens, other medicines, other preservatives, foods, or dyes
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Nalbuphine is for injection into a muscle, vein, or under the skin. If you are instructed to give your dose at home, do not change either the amount of the dose or how often it is given. Follow the instructions your health care professional gives you. If you have any questions, call your health care professional.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Do not share this medicine with anyone.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with nalbuphine?
Because nalbuphine can cause drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect of nalbuphine. Some medicines that cause drowsiness are:
alcohol and alcohol-containing medicines
barbiturates such as phenobarbital
certain antidepressants, tranquilizers or medications for Parkinson's disease
muscle relaxants
certain antihistamines used in cold, flu or allergy medicines
Ask your prescriber or health care professional about other medicines that may increase the effect of nalbuphine.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking nalbuphine?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your pain does not go away.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how nalbuphine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase possible drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and affect your breathing. Avoid alcohol while receiving nalbuphine.
Use exactly as directed by your prescriber or health care professional. If you are taking nalbuphine on a regular basis, do not suddenly stop taking it. Your body becomes used to the nalbuphine and when you suddenly stop taking it, you may have a severe reaction. This DOES NOT mean you are 'addicted' to nalbuphine. Addiction is a behavior seen with getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medicine such as nalbuphine to control your pain.
What side effects may I notice from receiving nalbuphine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
anxiety, nervousness, agitation
chest infection
cold and clammy skin, increased perspiration
confusion
difficulty breathing
lightheadedness or fainting spells
irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain
rash or itching
seizures
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
change in taste
constipation
difficulty sleeping at night
dizziness or drowsiness
dry mouth
headache
loss of appetite
nausea, vomiting
pain or difficulty passing urine, reduced amount of urine
pain, swelling, or irritation at the injection site
stomach cramps or pain
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Do not share or give this medicine to anyone else.
Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.