Brand Names: Natrecor

Generic Name: nesiritide (Pronunciation: ness EAR a tide)

• What is nesiritide (Natrecor)?
• What are the possible side effects of nesiritide (Natrecor)?
• What is the most important information I should know about nesiritide (Natrecor)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving nesiritide (Natrecor)?
• How is nesiritide given (Natrecor)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Natrecor)?
• What happens if I overdose (Natrecor)?
• What should I avoid while receiving nesiritide (Natrecor)?
• What other drugs will affect nesiritide (Natrecor)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is nesiritide (Natrecor)?

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 are the possible side effects of nesiritide (Natrecor)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• dizziness, chest pain, fast heart rate, or confusion shortly after you receive nesiritide;
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• coughing up blood; or
• fever, pale skin, easy bruising, unusual weakness.

Less serious side effects may include:

• pain, itching, or swelling where the IV needle was placed;
• numbness or tingling;
• drowsiness;
• tremors or shaking;
• cough;
• increased sweating;
• skin rash or itching;
• leg cramps; or
• blurred vision.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Natrecor (nesiritide) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about nesiritide (Natrecor)?

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.