Nesiritide (ne-SIR-i-tide)

Treats congestive heart failure (CHF) that is getting worse and causing breathing problems.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Your health caregiver may need to check your blood pressure regularly while you are receiving this medicine. This is done to make sure your blood pressure does not get too low.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using blood pressure medicine or a diuretic ("water pill"). Some blood pressure medicines are captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, Accupril®, Altace®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Monopril®, Prinivil®, Vasotec®, Zestril®, or Zestoretic®. Some diuretics are furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Hyzaar®, or Lasix®. Tell your doctor if you are using any other medicines that might lower your blood pressure.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have kidney disease.
• It is very important for your doctor to know about all heart and blood circulation problems that you have. This medicine should not be used by people who have certain heart problems. Tell your doctor if you have high or low blood pressure, or if you have blood vessels or heart valves that are too narrow. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a heart attack, too much fluid around your heart, or an infection that involved your heart.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Confusion.
• Fast, slow, or uneven heart beat.
• Light-headedness or fainting.
• Pain, swelling, or redness around the IV needle (where the medicine goes into your body).
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache.
• Nausea, vomiting.
• Trouble sleeping.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088