Sublimaze

Sublimaze injection is a narcotic analgesic used as an anesthetic and to relieve severe pain during and after surgery. This drug acts in the central nervous system or brain to relieve pain.

Drowsiness or dizziness has been associated with the use of this drug. This drug is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your healthcare professional.

Before using Sublimaze, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

Studies in children below 18 years of age regarding the correlation of age to the effects of fentanyl injection have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established.

Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of fentanyl injection. Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women and animals are still inadequate.

Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, MAOI, other CNS depressants such as opioids, sedatives/hypnotics, or general anesthetics, CYP3A4 inducers such as barbiturates, carbamazepine, or efavirenz, drugs that depress respiration.

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as:

• bradycardia
• breathing problems or difficult breathing
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• heart rhythm problems
• hypertension
• brain tumor
• head injury
• hypokalemia
• hypomagnesemia
• kidney or liver diseases

Proper usage of Sublimaze requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. A trained health professional will be the only one allowed to give you or your child this drug in a hospital. This drug is administered either intramuscularly or intravenously. 

Before using Sublimaze, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness and unwanted effects of the drug.

Check with your healthcare professional immediately if you or your child have bluish lips or skin, chest pain, difficulty with breathing, a fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse, shortness of breath, or muscle stiffness after receiving this drug.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur with this drug, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help, but if the problem continues or gets worse, check with your healthcare professional.

This drug will potentiate the effects of other CNS depressants such as antihistamines or drug for hay fever, allergies, or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping pills, prescription pain drug or narcotics, barbiturates or drug for seizures, muscle relaxants, or other anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics.

Check with your medical health care professional or dentist before taking any of the above while you are receiving this drug.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Sublimaze. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

• chest pain or discomfort
• difficult or troubled breathing
• irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
• lightheadedness
• dizziness, or fainting
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• severe muscle stiffness
• shortness of breath
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• unusual tiredness
• blurred vision
• change in consciousness
• chills, confusion, cough
• the difficulty with swallowing
• fast heartbeat
• feeling cold
• headache
• hives
• inability to move the eyes
• inability to sit still
• increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid
• itching
• low blood pressure or pulse
• nervousness
• pounding in the ears
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• restlessness, seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• skin rash
• sticking out the tongue when not meaning to
• sweating, tightness in the chest
• uncontrolled twisting
• movements of the neck, trunk, arms, or legs, or unusual facial expressions

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Fentanyl Side Effects

Dizziness

Dizziness is a side effect of fentanyl.

Drowsiness

Another side effect of fentanyl is drowsiness. Some people can become severely drowsy after taking this drug.

Headache

It's possible for you to get a headache from taking fentanyl.

Shortness of breath

Having shortness of breath is a side effect of fentanyl.

Weakness

Taking fentanyl can make a person feel extremely weak.

Swelling

If you take fentanyl, you may experience swelling in your hands and feet. Swelling in or around your mouth can be a sign of an allergic reaction.

Difficulty breathing

Fentanyl can make breathing difficult, especially if you took too much or more than your body can handle.

Overdose

Fentanyl is a highly potent drug. It is significantly more powerful than morphine, and it is also stronger than heroin. Taking fentanyl can simply lead to an overdose and death. Taking just the slightest bit more than your prescribed dose can kill you. If you do not have instructions from a doctor, stay away from this drug.