Baclofen is used to treat muscle spasms caused by
certain conditions (such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord
injury/disease). It works by helping to relax the muscles.
Baclofen injection is used by patients who do not
respond to or who cannot tolerate the side effects of baclofen taken by
mouth.
This medication is given by injection into the area
around the spinal cord (intrathecal). It is usually given using a drug pump
implanted under your skin. A health care professional will fill and refill
the pump with medication.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment.
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.
Do not stop treatment with this drug without consulting
your doctor. If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have
serious withdrawal symptoms. See also Warning section. To prevent
withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Consult your doctor or
pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions right
away.
When this medication is used for a long time, it may not
work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working
well.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse, or if you have any signs of infection (such as fever,
chills, redness/swelling/pain/warmth at the pump site).
Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, headache, constipation,
nausea, or vomiting 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.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion, depression,
hallucinations)
- numb/tingling skin
- vision changes
- difficulty urinating
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- seizures
- trouble breathing
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 baclofen, 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:
- recent/current infection
- seizures
- mental/mood disorders (such as schizophrenia)
- kidney disease
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.
Avoid 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).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication 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.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other
products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such
as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or
anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), other muscle relaxants
(such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as
cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause
drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products
safely.
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
drowsiness, slow/shallow breathing, seizures, severe muscle weakness, loss
of consciousness.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Keep all of your appointments to refill the medication.
If you plan to travel, talk with your doctor ahead of time about your
refill schedule so you do not run out of medication while you are away from
home.
This drug is to be given continuously as an infusion. If
your infusion is interrupted, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away.
If you miss an appointment to refill the medication, contact your doctor
right away to reschedule before the pump runs out of drug.
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.