What is nesiritide?
Nesiritide relaxes and dilates blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.
Nesiritide is used to improve breathing in people with congestive heart failure (CHF).
Nesiritide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about nesiritide?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nesiritide, or if you have very low blood pressure.
If you have kidney disease, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication.
Tell your doctor about any heart problems you currently have or have had in the past. There are certain heart conditions that could make it dangerous for you to receive nesiritide.
Nesiritide is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion. The needle will remain in place while you receive the medication continuously for up to 48 hours.
Your blood pressure will be checked often while you are receiving nesiritide.
Call your doctor at once if you have dizziness, chest pain, fast heart rate, or confusion shortly after you receive nesiritide. Other serious side effects include feeling light-headed, fainting, coughing up blood, fever, pale skin, easy bruising, or unusual weakness.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving nesiritide?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nesiritide, or if you have very low blood pressure.
If you have kidney disease, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication.
Tell your doctor about any heart problems you currently have or have had in the past. There are certain heart conditions that could make it dangerous for you to receive nesiritide.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether nesiritide is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether nesiritide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.