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Byfavo

remimazolam
Used for Sedation
Used for Sedation

Byfavo (remimazolam) is a fast-acting injectable medication. It's used to help people relax during short medical procedures that last 30 minutes or less. It's injected into the vein (IV) by a trained healthcare provider.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 13, 2022
BasicsWarningsFAQsAlternativesPricesMedicare
Byfavo (remimazolam) is a controlled substance, which means that it's more likely to be misused or cause dependence. There are federal and state laws that limit the amount of medication that can be prescribed or dispensed within a certain period of time.
basics-icon

What is Byfavo (remimazolam)?

What is Byfavo (remimazolam) used for?

  • Sedation for medical procedures that last 30 minutes or less

How Byfavo (remimazolam) works

Drug Facts

Common BrandsByfavo
Drug ClassBenzodiazepine
Controlled Substance ClassificationSchedule IV
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the risks and warnings for Byfavo (remimazolam)?

Byfavo (remimazolam) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

risk-warning

Breathing problems (must be given by trained professional)

  • Risk factors: Taking other respiratory depressants | Obstructive sleep apnea | Over 65 years old | Alcohol abuse | Certain medical conditions

    Using Byfavo (remimazolam) while taking opioid medications, respiratory depressants like other benzodiazepines, or sedatives like propofol (Diprivan) can lead to extreme sedation, breathing problems, coma, and death. Tell your provider all of the medications you're taking before getting Byfavo (remimazolam). People over 65 years old or who have certain medical problems, such as obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes, heart problems, or liver problems, are at a higher risk for dangerous breathing issues. Your provider will monitor your breathing and adjust your dose as needed while you get this medication.

    Because of the dangerous risk for breathing problems, blood pressure problems, and heart rate problems, Byfavo (remimazolam) can only be given by a trained medical professional at a clinic or hospital equipped to monitor and manage your vitals.

    risk-warning

    Severe allergic reaction

    • Risk factors: Allergy to dextran 40

      Byfavo (remimazolam) can cause severe allergic reactions, including rash, hives, itching, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Your risk might be higer if you're allergic to a chemical in Byfavo (remimazolam) called dextran 40. Tell your provider your allergies and reactions before getting this medication. If you experience rash, trouble breathing, or swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat, you'll need to get medical help right away.

      risk-warning

      Sedation in newborns

      • Risk factors: Taking Byfavo (remimazolam) during late pregnancy

        Taking Byfavo (remimazolam) during late pregnancy can lead to breathing problems, low energy, and poor muscle tone in newborn babies. If you need to get Byfavo (remimazolam) while you're pregnant or during labor, monitor your newborn baby for signs of sedation such as those mentioned above so your provider can treat them appropriately.

        risk-warning

        Brain damage in children

        While research isn't fully clear, sedation medications like Byfavo (remimazolam) might cause brain damage in children based on animal studies and some studies in children. This can lead to mental and behaviorial problems. The risk might be higher if it's used longer than 3 hours or if unborn babies are exposed during the third trimester of pregnancy. Byfavo (remimazolam) hasn't been studied enough in children to know if it's safe or works well. Speak to your child's provider about the risks and benefits of using Byfavo (remimazolam) or other sedative medications for procedures.

        faqs

        Frequently asked questions about Byfavo (remimazolam)

        What is Byfavo (remimazolam)?
        Byfavo (remimazolam) is an injectable sedative. It belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines. It works in the brain to slow down your nervous system and help you feel more calm. Byfavo (remimazolam) is used to help people relax during short medical procedures that last 30 minutes or less. Short procedures commonly include colonoscopy and bronchoscopy (when your provider looks inside of your lungs) procedures.
        How is Byfavo (remimazolam) given?
        Byfavo (remimazolam) is injected intravenously (IV) before your procedure by a trained medical professional. You might be given additional doses as needed during your procedure.
        What are common side effects of Byfavo (remimazolam)?
        The most common side effects include blood pressure changes, heart rate changes, and low oxygen levels. Other side effects include nausea, fever, and headache. Your provider will monitor your breathing, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and heart rate while you're getting Byfavo (remimazolam) to make sure you're responding well do this medication..
        How long does it take for Byfavo (remimazolam) to work?
        Byfavo (remimazolam) works fast and you typically start to feel calm and drowsy about 1 minute after it's injected into your vein. Please keep in mind that everyone responds differently, so your provider will make sure it's working well for you and adjust your dose as needed.
        How long does it take for Byfavo (remimazolam) to wear off?
        In clinical studies, most people became fully alert again at 11 to 14 minutes after the last dose of Byfavo (remimazolam) was given. It might take shorter or longer for you, depending on how your body responds to this medication.
        Is Byfavo (remimazolam) safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
        There haven't been enough studies done in pregnant or breastfeeding women to know if Byfavo (remimazolam) is safe. In animal studies, high doses of Byfavo (remimazolam) caused lower weights of their unborn babies. Since medications like Byfavo (remimazolam) can transfer to unborn babies in pregnant women, it's possible that babies born to pregnant women who have taken Byfavo (remimazolam) have breathing problems. Tell your provider if you're pregnant before your procedure. It's unknown if Byfavo (remimazolam) passes into human breast milk, but it has been shown to pass into animal milk. This means there's a risk of breathing problems in breastfed babies of mothers who have taken Byfavo (remimazolam). Because of this risk, it's recommended to pump and discard (throw away) breast milk for 5 hours after receiving Byfavo (remimazolam).
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        alternatives

        What are alternatives to Byfavo (remimazolam)?

        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Byfavo (remimazolam). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
        Byfavo (remimazolam)
        Used for:

        • Sedation for medical procedures that last 30 minutes or less

        View Prices
        Midazolam
        Used for:

        • Sedation for surgery or other medical procedure

        • Long-lasting seizure (status epilepticus) - Seizalam

        View Prices

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