Your doctor has ordered nalbuphine, an analgesic (painkiller), to relieve your pain. The drug will be injected into a large muscle (such as your buttock or hip), under your skin, or into a vein.
You will probably receive nalbuphine every 3 to 6 hours as needed for pain. Your doctor may also order other pain medications to make you more comfortable. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Your health care provider (doctor, nurse, or pharmacist) may measure the effectiveness and side effects of your treatment using laboratory tests and physical examinations. It is important to keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. The length of treatment depends on how you respond to the medication.
Before you administer nalbuphine, look at the solution closely. It should be clear and free of floating material. Observe the solution container to make sure there are no leaks. Do not use the solution if it is discolored, if it contains particles, or if the container leaks. Use a new solution, but show the damaged one to your health care provider.
It is important that you use your medication exactly as directed. Nalbuphine can be habit forming. Do not administer it more often or for a longer period than your doctor tells you. Do not change your dosing schedule without talking to your health care provider.
dizziness
lightheadedness
drowsiness
upset stomach
vomiting
dry mouth
headache
stomach cramps
itchy skin
bitter taste
confusion or hallucinations
feeling of heaviness
unusual weakness
difficulty breathing
fainting
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Your health care provider will probably give you a several-day supply of nalbuphine at a time and provide you with directions on how to prepare each dose. Store the vials at room temperature.
Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand what you need to store your medication properly.
Keep your supplies in a clean, dry place when you are not using them, and keep all medications and supplies out of the reach of children. Your health care provider will tell you how to throw away used needles, syringes, tubing, and containers to avoid accidental injury.
tenderness
warmth
irritation
drainage
redness
swelling
pain
Last Reviewed - 09/01/2010
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.