What is Natrecor (Nesiritide)?

Nesiritide relaxes and dilates blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.
Nesiritide is used to improve breathing in people with congestive heart failure (CHF).
Nesiritide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Natrecor (Nesiritide)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nesiritide, or if you have very low blood pressure.
If you have kidney disease, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication.
Tell your doctor about any heart problems you currently have or have had in the past. There are certain heart conditions that could make it dangerous for you to receive nesiritide.
Nesiritide is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion. The needle will remain in place while you receive the medication continuously for up to 48 hours.
Your blood pressure will be checked often while you are receiving nesiritide.
Call your doctor at once if you have dizziness, chest pain, fast heart rate, or confusion shortly after you receive nesiritide. Other serious side effects include feeling light-headed, fainting, coughing up blood, fever, pale skin, easy bruising, or unusual weakness.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Natrecor (Nesiritide)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nesiritide, or if you have very low blood pressure.
If you have kidney disease, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication.
Tell your doctor about any heart problems you currently have or have had in the past. There are certain heart conditions that could make it dangerous for you to receive nesiritide.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether nesiritide is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether nesiritide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Natrecor Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Natrecor (Nesiritide)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• dizziness, chest pain, fast heart rate, or confusion shortly after you receive nesiritide
• feeling light-headed, fainting
• coughing up blood; or
• fever, pale skin, easy bruising, unusual weakness

Less serious side effects may include:

• pain, itching, or swelling where the IV needle was placed
• numbness or tingling
• drowsiness
• tremors or shaking
• cough
• increased sweating
• skin rash or itching
• leg cramps; or
• blurred vision

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.

Natrecor Interactions

What other drugs affect Natrecor (Nesiritide)?

Before receiving nesiritide, tell your doctor if you are using any blood pressure medications (to treat hypertension).
There may be other drugs that can interact with nesiritide. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Natrecor (Nesiritide)?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Natrecor Dosage

How should I take Natrecor (Nesiritide)?

Nesiritide is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.
Nesiritide must be given slowly through an IV infusion. The needle will remain in place while you receive the medication continuously for up to 48 hours.
Your blood pressure will be checked often while you are receiving nesiritide.

What happens if I overdose on Natrecor (Nesiritide)?

Tell your doctor right away or seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include feeling light-headed or fainting.

What happens if I miss a dose of Natrecor (Nesiritide)?

Since this medication is given for only a short time while you are in a hospital or clinic setting, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com
Sourced from everydayhealth.com