Dsuvia

Dsuvia (sufentanil) can cause life-threatening, irregular, or slowed breathing. Your risk if higher if you're taking other medications that can cause slowed breathing (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids, muscle relaxants, sleeping medicaitons, sedatives) or drink alcohol. Tell your provider about all the medications you're taking before starting Dsuvia (sufentanil). Respiratory depression can happen at any time, even at recommended doses. This can cause you to stop breathing and can even lead to death, so it's important to recognize signs of breathing problems and treat them right away. If you experience shortness of breath, slow or shallow breathing, or bluish-colored lips, fingers, or toes, get medical help right away.

Because of the serious risk of respiratory depression if anyone is accidentally exposed to Dsuvia (sufentanil), it's only available through a drug safety program called the Dsuvia REMS. All hospitals or facilities that can give Dsuvia (sufentanil) must be registered with the REMS program. This is to make sure the medication is given under the safest conditions possible for you.

Make sure to tell your provider about all of the medications you're taking before starting Dsuvia (sufentanil). Additionally, don't start or stop any medications without talking to your provider first. Dsuvia (sufentanil) interacts with many medications. Some medications cause Dsuvia (sufentanil)'s levels in your body to go up while others cause it to go down. Some of these medications might need to have their dosages adjusted while others might need to be stopped completely. This is to prevent you from having severe toxic effects from Dsuvia (sufentanil), which can be life-threatening. Some examples include, but not limited to, erythromycin, ketoconazole, ritonavir (Norvir), rifampin (Rifadin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), and phenytoin (Dilantin).

Serotonin syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition where there's too much serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is one of the chemicals in your brain responsible for your mood. Your risk for serotonin syndrome goes up if you use Dsuvia (sufentanil) with other medications that affect serotonin levels, such as SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, lithium, and triptans. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion. Get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms.

Opioids like Dsuvia (sufentanil) can cause your adrenal hormone levels to drop. This is more likely to happen after taking opioids for longer than one month. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, tiredness, dizziness, and weakness. Let your provider know right away if you experience these symptoms so your hormone levels can be measured.

Dsuvia (sufentanil) can cause severely low blood pressure and low heart rate. Your blood pressure and heart rate will likely be monitored while you're taking Dsuvia (sufentanil). Let your provider know if you feel lightheaded, dizzy, fatigue, chest pain, or feeling like you're going to faint.

Dsuvia (sufentanil) can raise the pressure in your brain as a result of lowering your breathing rate. Your breathing rate and level of consciousness will be monitored.

Dsuvia (sufentanil) can cause problems with your stomach. Specifically, it can cause a spasm in one of your muscular valves and raise your risk for inflammation of the pancreas. Dsuvia (sufentanil) shouldn't be used in people with a blockage in their gut. Let your provider know if you experience severe constipation while taking this medication.