Vecuronium (VEK-ure-oh-nee-um)

Relaxes muscles during surgery or other medical procedures.

Brand Name(s):

Vecuronium Bromide Novaplus

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 trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You will receive this medicine in a hospital or emergency room.

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 are also using procainamide (Procanabid®, Pronestyl®), quinidine (Cardioquin®, Quinaglute®, Quinidex®), or any type of antibiotic (especially amikacin, gentamicin, Garamycin®, streptomycin, Neosporin®, polymyxin B, or tetracycline).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Receiving this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. If you think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor before you receive this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease, heart disease, kidney disease, myasthenia gravis, or Eaton-Lambert syndrome.
• Tell your doctor if you or a family member have had problems from surgery such as malignant hyperthermia (a dangerous rise in body temperature).

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
• Extreme or ongoing muscle weakness.

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

• Muscle weakness or stiffness in the days after you receive this medicine.

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