Baclofen Intrathecal Injection

What is this medication?

BACLOFEN (BAK loe fen) treats severe muscle spasms. It works by relaxing your muscles, which reduces muscle stiffness. It belongs to a group of medications called muscle relaxants.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Gablofen, Lioresal, Lioresal Intrathecal

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

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

• Bleeding disorders
• Diabetes
• Mental illness
• Kidney disease
• Recent stroke
• Seizures
• An unusual or allergic reaction to baclofen, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for injection into the space around the spinal cord. It can be given in a clinic or hospital setting. Patients can also have a pump implanted into their back for a continuous infusion.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 4 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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?

It is important to keep your appointments to have this medication administered or to refill your pump. If you cannot make your appointment, contact your care team to make other arrangements.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Narcotic medications for cough

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Alcohol
• Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
• Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
• Certain medications for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline
• Certain medications for seizures like phenobarbital, primidone
• General anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol
• Local anesthetics like lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine
• Medications that relax muscles for surgery
• Narcotic medications for pain
• Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

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?

Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Do not suddenly stop taking your medication. If you do, you may develop a severe reaction. If your care team wants you to stop the medication, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects. Follow the advice of your care team.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you are taking another medication that also causes drowsiness, you may have more side effects. Give your care team a list of all medications you use. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. Do not take more medication than directed. Call emergency for help if you have problems breathing or unusual sleepiness.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision

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

• Burning or tingling sensation in hands or feet
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting

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?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

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.