Bumex (Injection Route)

Bumetanide, also known and sold under the trade name of Bumex, is a product which belongs to a group of drugs known as diuretics.

This medication is used in order to reduce extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as congestive heart failure, liver or kidney disease.

It is considered to work by increasing the amount of urine that the body produces. It also has a beneficial effect for decreasing the swelling of the arms, legs, and stomach problems.

This medication is available in the form of a solution.

Before the decision to start the treatment with this medication is made, it is essential to get informed about the expected beneficial effects, as well as, about the potential side effects and risks.

For this medication to be made, the beneficial effects must outweigh the potential side effects. This is a decision that you and your doctor, together, will have to make.

During the consultations, it is important to inform the doctor about:

Allergic reactions – Inform the doctor about any allergic reactions to any kind of medications, prescribed or not prescribed. Also, inform the healthcare professional about any allergic reactions to any kind of food, dye, fabric and etc.

Pediatric – There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used in pediatric patients. This medication is not recommended to be used in pediatric patients. However, it could be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.

Geriatric – Proper studies done have confirmed that there are no age – related risks and side effects when this medication is used in geriatric patients. However, due to the risk of increased sensitivity in geriatric patients, the treatment with this medication requires extra caution.

Pregnancy – Inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used during pregnancy. It is unknown if it poses a risk to the fetus.

This medication is not recommended to be used during pregnancy. However, it could be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential side effects.

Breastfeeding – Inform the doctor if you are currently breastfeeding. There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used in nursing mothers. It is unknown if it is extracted in the milk, or how would it affect the infant. This medication is not recommended to be used in nursing mothers. However, it could be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.

Drug interactions – Inform the doctor if you are currently using any other medications, prescribed or not prescribed, even vitamins and herbal tea. This is important because certain medications are not recommended to be used in a combination with others, due to the possibility that certain interactions could occur.

However, sometimes the doctor may decide to use a certain combination, including two or more medications, to treat your condition, if he or she considers that combination to prove as beneficial regarding your condition.

Other interaction – Certain medications are not recommended to be used in a combination with the specific type of food, tobacco, and alcohol. Because of this, it is important to get informed if there is a need for you to follow a specific diet and discontinue your use of tobacco and alcohol during the treatment with this medication.

Other medical problems – Inform the doctor about any other medical problems and conditions from the past or at the moment.

Especially, inform the doctor if there are any of the following conditions present:

• anuria
• gout
• dehydration
• hearing problems
• hyperuricemia
• hypocalcemia
• hypokalemia
• hypomagnesemia
• thrombocytopenia
• diabetes
• kidney
• liver disease

For proper use, follow the directions given by your doctor. This medication is available in the form of a solution, for an injection route.

This medication is usually given by the doctor or an experienced healthcare professional, at the hospital. But, you as well, can be trained to apply this medication at home.

This medication is applied using a needle in a vein in your arm. The dose is individual for every patient, prescribed by the doctor and based on your condition and the prognosis of the treatment.

In order to get the most beneficial effects from its use, remember to use this medication regularly. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double to catch up.

This medication is harmful in case of an overdose. If an overdose is suspected, contact the doctor as soon as possible, for further directions.

Visit your doctor regularly, at your scheduled appointments, so that he or she would be able to track your condition and make any adjustments if needed.

These adjustments may refer to the dose – e.g. the doctor may decide to increase or decrease the dose, or to the treatment itself – the doctor may decide to discontinue your treatment if there are any serious side effects present, that would worsen your condition, or if your condition does not improve.

Inform the doctor about any allergic reactions to any kind of medications, prescribed or not prescribed. This is important because this medication may contain inactive substances that could cause certain interactions to occur.

Inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. This medication is not recommended to be used during pregnancy, due to the lack of studies that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used during pregnancy.

At least two proven forms of birth control should be used to help prevent pregnancy during the treatment with this medication. Inform the doctor if you are currently breastfeeding.

This medication is not recommended to be used in nursing mothers, due to the lack of studies that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used in nursing mothers.

This medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness to occur. Avoid driving and any other activities that require alertness during the treatment with this medication.

Along with the expected beneficial effects, there are potential side effects that could occur. These side effects do not occur in all patients, also they could be mild or more serious.

However, it is essential to get informed about the potential side effects, so that you would be able to notice their presence and inform the doctor as soon as possible for further directions.

Common side effects – dizziness, drowsiness, headache, tiredness, nausea, and pain/redness at the injection site. These are common side effects which are not considered as serious. However, if their presence persists or worsens, inform the doctor as soon as possible.

Serious side effects – decreased sexual ability, chest pain, hearing problems, easy/unusual bruising/bleeding, yellowing of the skin/eyes, dark urine, sudden loss of consciousness. These are serious side effects whose presence must be reported to the doctor as soon as possible.

A very serious allergic reaction to this medication is not common. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, inform the doctor as soon as possible – skin rash, itching/swelling of the face/tongue/hands/feet, trouble breathing, or severe dizziness.