Uses
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.
How To Use
This medication is given by injection into the space around the spinal cord (intrathecally). 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 visually 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 improve or if it worsens, or if you have any signs of infection (such as fever, chills, redness/swelling/pain/warmth at the pump site).
Side Effects
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.
Precautions
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 breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
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.
Overdose
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 their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness, slow/shallow breathing, seizures, severe muscle weakness, loss of consciousness.
Notes
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.
Missed Dose
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.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
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.
