Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Adenosine Injection, USP (Mylan Pharmaceuticals, PM 00025904)
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
Adenosine Injection, USP is an injectable medication used to treat a condition called paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (rapid rhythm of the heart), including a condition called Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (abnormal electrical communication from the atria to the ventricles). These conditions cause your heart to beat too fast. Adenosine Injection, USP helps your heart go back to a normal rhythm (stop beating too fast). Adenosine Injection, USP is also used to help your doctor determine if you have an abnormal heart beat called broad or narrow supraventricular tachycardia.
What it does:
Adenosine, the active ingredient in Adenosine Injection, USP, is a substance that occurs naturally in all cells of your body. Adenosine Injection, USP works by slowing down the electrical impulses which control your heart rhythm. This allows your heart rhythm to return to normal.
When it should not be used:
You should not use Adenosine Injection, USP if:
- you have had an allergic reaction to adenosine.
you have any of the following conditions, unless you
have an artificial pacemaker that works:
a type of heart condition called second or third degree
atrioventricular (AV) block,
- an abnormal heart rhythm called sick sinus syndrome,
- bradycardia (a slow heart beat)
What the medicinal ingredient is:
adenosine
What the nonmedicinal ingredients are:
Sodium chloride, Water for Injection
What dosage forms it comes in:
Adenosine Injection, USP is supplied as a sterile solution in normal saline containing 3 mg adenosine/mL for injection into the vein (bloodstream). It is packaged in 6 mg/2 mL vials.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
BEFORE Adenosine Injection, USP is given be sure to tell your doctor:
- If you have a history of heart problems such as heart block or atrial fibrillation/flutter (fast heart beat or palpitations)
- If you have asthma or other lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- About all other health conditions you have now, or have had in the past
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
Adenosine Injection, USP and other medicines may interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription medicines, over the counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. In particular you should tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Digoxin
- Verapamil
Methylxanthines, such as theophylline and caffeine
(present in many foods and drinks such as coffee, tea and chocolate)
- Dipyridamole
- Carbamazepine
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
ADENOSINE INJECTION, USP is given to patients by injection directly into the blood system. This drug should only be used in a setting with appropriate cardiac monitoring and resuscitative facility.
Usual dose:
For Adults and Children Over 50 kg
The initial dose is 6 mg. If this does not slow your heart rate, you may receive one or two more injections of 12 mg.
For Children Weighing Less Than 50 kg
The amount of drug given will depend on how much you weigh. If the first injection does not slow your heart rate, you may get more injections.
Overdose:
No cases of overdose associated with the use of adenosine injection have been reported. If you feel you have been given too much medication, discuss it with your doctor.
In case of drug overdose, contact a health care practitioner, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Along with its intended action, any medication may cause undesirable effects.
The most common side effects of adenosine include facial flushing, dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pressure, and nausea. These side effects start immediately after adenosine is given and usually last less than one minute.
Other side effects include:
headache, sweating, palpitations, chest pain, hypotension (less than 1%), a variety of arrhythmias and conduction disturbances were observed in about 55% of patients at the time of conversion, hyperventilation, head pressure, lightheadedness, dizziness, tingling in arms, numbness, apprehension, blurred vision, burning sensation, heaviness in arms, neck and back pain, metallic taste, tightness in throat, pressure in groin.
In addition to the above reports, the below adverse events listed have been reported post marketing:
Prolonged asystole (cardiac arrest), transient increase in blood pressure and bronchospasm (sudden constriction of the muscles in the walls of bronchioles).
| SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, HOW OFTEN THEY | |||||
| HAPPEN AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM | |||||
| Symptom / effect | Talk with your doctor or Pharmacist | Stop taking drug and call your doctor or pharmacist | |||
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||||
| Uncommon | |||||
| Difficulty breathing | √ | ||||
| Unknown | |||||
| Seizures* | √ | ||||
| Abnormal heart beat* (irregular, slow or fast) | √ | ||||
*Unable to determine frequency since this is a post- marketing event
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking Adenosine Injection, USP, contact your doctor
HOW TO STORE IT
HOW TO STORE IT
Store at controlled room temperature between 15ºC to 30º C.
DO NOT REFRIGERATE.
The solution must be clear at the time of use.
REPORTING SUSPECTED SIDE EFFECTS
You can report any suspected adverse reactions associated with the use of health products to the Canada Vigilance Program by one of the following 3 ways:
- Report online at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect
- Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345
Complete a Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and:
- Fax toll-free to 1-866-678-6789, or
Mail to: Canada Vigilance Program
Health Canada
Postal Locator 0701E
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
Postage paid labels, Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and the adverse reaction reporting guidelines are available on the MedEffectTM Canada Web site at
www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect.
Note: Should you require information related to the management of side effects, contact your health professional. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
MORE INFORMATION
This document can be found at: www.mylan.ca.
The full Product Monograph prepared for health professionals can be obtained by contacting the sponsor, Mylan Pharmaceuticals ULC at: 1-800-575-1379
Prepared on: July 16, 2014
Mylan Pharmaceuticals ULC
Etobicoke, ON M8Z 2S6
1-800-575-1379
www.mylan.ca
