Neostigmine injection

What is this medication?

NEOSTIGMINE (nee oh STIG meen) can help to correct muscle strength. It is used to treat myasthenia gravis.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): BLOXIVERZ, Prostigmin

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•asthma

•difficulty passing urine

•heart disease

•infection in abdomen, peritonitis

•low blood pressure

•seizures

•stomach obstruction or ulcers

•thyroid disease

•an unusual or allergic reaction to neostigmine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for injection under the skin, into a muscle, or into a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

•antibiotics like kanamycin, neomycin, streptomycin

•antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold, sleep

•medicines for heart arrhythmias

•medicines that cause muscle relaxation

•other medicines that improve muscle strength or tone

•some medicines to cause sleep in surgery or to numb pain

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•breathing problems

•changes in vision

•chest pain

•difficulty moving

•feeling dizzy, faint

•irregular, slow heartbeat

•low blood pressure

•seizures

•unusually weak

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•diarrhea

•increase in the need to pass urine

•increased saliva

•increased sweating

•muscle twitch

•nausea

•stomach cramps, gas

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.