Terlipressin (Into a vein)
Terlipressin (ter-li-PRES-in)
Improves kidney function in patients with hepatorenal syndrome.
Brand Name(s):
Terlivaz
There may be other brand names for this medicine.When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to terlipressin, or if you have heart or blood vessel disease, hypoxia (low oxygen in the blood), or worsening lung or breathing problems.How to Use This Medicine:
Injectable
- Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. This medicine must be given slowly, so your IV tube will need to stay in place for at least 2 minutes every 6 hours.
- A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
- It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have lung disease or a history of heart attack or stroke.
- This medicine may cause the following problems:
- Serious lung problem
- Brain, heart, or blood vessel problems (including cardiac ischemia, cerebrovascular ischemia, peripheral ischemia, or mesenteric ischemia)
- This medicine may make you ineligible for liver transplant because of its side effects (including respiratory failure, ischemia). Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
- Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Blue lips, fingernail, or skin, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
- Chest pain that may spread, unusual sweating, faintness
- Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching
- Diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea
- Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, pain in your lower leg
- Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
Last Updated: 9/6/2024
