Introduction

Sufentanil (soo-FEN-ta-nil)

Treats pain. This medicine may be used along with anesthetic medicine during surgery or during childbirth.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

Sufenta

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to sufentanil or certain other narcotic pain medicines.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins or into your back (spinal cord).

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
• Make sure your doctor knows if are using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using heart or blood pressure medicine such as beta blockers (atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, Inderal®, or Toprol®) or calcium channel blockers (such as diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil, Lotrel®, Norvasc®, Tiazac®).
• There are many other drugs that can interact with sufentanil. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have breathing problems, liver disease, or kidney disease. Tell your doctor if you have bleeding problems or an infection where the needle is to be placed.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had a serious head injury, or any medical problem that causes increased pressure in your head.
• This medicine may cause constipation. This is more common if you use it for a long time. Ask your doctor if you should also use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

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.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Muscle stiffness.
• Numbness or weakness in your arm, leg, or on one side of your body.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Chills.
• Drowsiness.
• Mild skin rash or itching.
• Nausea or vomiting.

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