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Furoscix

furosemide
Used for Heart Failure
Used for Heart Failure

Furoscix (furosemide) is the first FDA-approved furosemide injection that can be given at home to treat fluid overload in adults with worsening heart failure. It belongs to a class called loop diuretics, which means it works in the kidneys to help remove extra fluid from the body. Furoscix (furosemide) is given under the skin through an Infusor device, which typically takes 5 hours to deliver all of the medication. Common side effects include injection pain, dizziness, and frequent urination.

Last reviewed on October 15, 2023
basics-icon

What is Furoscix (furosemide)?

What is Furoscix (furosemide) used for?

How Furoscix (furosemide) works

Furoscix (furosemide) is a loop diuretic. It works in the kidneys to get rid of extra water and electrolytes. So Furoscix (furosemide) reduces fluid overload, or swelling in the body, caused by heart failure.

Are you looking for information on furosemide (Lasix) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsFuroscix
Drug ClassDiuretic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Furoscix (furosemide)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Injection site and skin reactions (e.g., pain, bruising, swelling, or redness)

Other Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Blurry vision
  • Restlessness
  • Sensitivity to sunlight

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reactions: rash, skin pain or peeling, blisters, fever, sore throat, fatigue, facial swelling, swollen lips
  • Hearing problems: hearing loss, difficulty hearing, ringing in the ear
  • Severe kidney problems: dry mouth, extreme thirst, weakness, low energy, drowsiness, muscle pain or cramps, fast heart beat, nausea, vomiting, not making urine

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
  • Hearing loss, ringing in ears
  • High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
  • Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
  • Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Burning or tingling sensation in hands or feet
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Pain, redness, irritation, or bruising at the injection site
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Furoscix (furosemide)

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Pros

Works well to relieve fluid build up from worsening heart failure

The first FDA-approved furosemide injection that can be given at home

Injection under the skin through an Infusor, instead of infusion through the veins

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Cons

Limits your movement or bending during the 5-hour infusion

Cellphones, computers, or other wireless devices can affect how the device works if they're placed within a foot of the Infusor

Raises risk of dizziness or falls

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Furoscix (furosemide)

pharmacist
  • Don't give yourself or someone else Furoscix (furosemide) infusion until you understand how to use the medication. Your provider or pharmacist will show you how to do your first injection.

    • During your 5 hour infusion with Furoscix (furosemide), avoid exercising or bending to prevent the Infusor from falling off. It's also not recommended to travel in a car or plane during the infusion.

      • Furoscix (furosemide) can get in the way of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If you need an MRI, ask with your provider about the safest way to treat your heart failure symptoms on that day.

        • Furoscix (furosemide) can cause you to sunburn more easily. To lower your risk, make sure to limit or avoid sun exposure during treatment with Furoscix (furosemide). Wear protective clothing when outside, even on overcast days.

          • Don't use Furoscix (furosemide) during showers, baths, or while swimming since water or any other fluids can damage the Infusor.

            • Place the Furoscix (furosemide) Infusor can be placed on the belly, on either side of the belly button. If you need another dose, make sure to choose a different area on the other side of the belly button.

              • Don't inject the medication into skin that's bruised, red, tender, or hard. Don't apply lotions or ointments to the application area since it can cause Furoscix (furosemide) Infusor to not stick as well.

                • Furoscix (furosemide) isn't meant to be used long-term. As soon as it's safe and practical to do so, your provider will change you back to oral furosemide (Lasix) or another oral water pill.

                  • Store Furoscix (furosemide) at room temperature in its original container to protect it from light.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Furoscix (furosemide)

                    What foods should I avoid when taking Furoscix (furosemide)?
                    While Furoscix (furosemide) doesn't have many interactions with food, it's important to cut back on salt during treatment to avoid worsening heart failure. This is because too much salt in your diet can lead to more fluid buildup around your heart, which can cause your heart to work even harder. Consider avoiding canned or processed foods, which typically have more salt content. Read the nutrition facts labels to know how much salt you're getting. And talk to your provider to discuss your diet goals for heart failure.
                    Is Furoscix (furosemide) potassium sparing?
                    No, Furoscix (furosemide) isn't a potassium-sparing diuretic. This means that it doesn't raise your blood potassium levels. In fact, Furoscix (furosemide) is more likely to lower your potassium levels.
                    Does Furoscix (furosemide) lower blood pressure?
                    Yes, Furoscix (furosemide) can lower your blood pressure, which can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. This is more likely to occur if you suddenly stand up from a sitting or lying down position. Make sure to get up slowly from these positions while receiving Furoscix (furosemide). Tell your provider if you experience fainting or dizziness after you've received Furoscix (furosemide) or any time during the infusion.
                    Does Furoscix (furosemide) lower potassium?
                    Yes, Furoscix (furosemide) can cause low potassium in your blood. This is because diuretics, such as Furoscix (furosemide), cause your kidneys to make more urine to get rid of extra water and electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Before or after infusion with Furoscix (furosemide), your provider might ask you to get blood work done to make sure your potassium levels are normal. In addition, you might be asked to take a potassium supplement if your levels are too low. Talk to your provider right away if you have symptoms of low potassium like muscle weakness, constipation, or tingling sensation.
                    How long does it take for Furoscix (furosemide) to work?
                    Furoscix (furosemide) typically starts working an hour after infusion begins. You'll notice a strong urge to use the bathroom at each bathroom visit.
                    How long does Furoscix (furosemide) stay in your system?
                    It can take about 8 to 10 hours for most of Furoscix (furosemide) to leave your body. Keep in mind that this time frame is estimated based on the half-life of the medication. But the time it takes a medication to leave your body can vary among individuals, depending on factors such as their specific health conditions and genetics.
                    When do I need to take Furoscix (furosemide)?
                    Since Furoscix (furosemide) will cause you to urinate more often, you might want to start the five-hour infusion in the morning to avoid frequent bathroom visits at night. Keep in mind that the urge to use the bathroom can last up to 8 hours. Make sure you have access to a bathroom during the infusion. If you notice that you're not urinating more than usual, let your provider know.
                    Is Furoscix (furosemide) a blood thinner?
                    No, Furoscix (furosemide) isn't a blood thinner. Instead it's a loop diuretic. Loop diuretics and blood thinners are both used to treat different heart problems. While loop diuretics are used to treat heart failure and lower blood pressure, blood thinners are used to prevent and treat blood clots. Talk to your provider to see which medication is right for you.
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                    What are the risks and warnings for Furoscix (furosemide)?

                    Furoscix (furosemide) 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

                    Kidney problems and dehydration

                    • Risk factors: Kidney or liver problems | Not drinking enough fluids | Taking higher doses of furosemide | Older adults

                      Furoscix (furosemide) can cause changes in fluids and electrolytes (e.g., potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium). This can cause a buildup of waste products, blood sugar, and dehydration. These effects can sometimes be life-threatening since they can lead to blood clots or worsening kidney or liver problems. Let your provider know if you feel weak, confused, or have dark-colored urine since these might be symptoms of dehydration.

                      If you are urinating less than usual while taking Furoscix (furosemide), talk with your provider right away. You might need to stop Furoscix (furosemide) to prevent kidney problems.

                      risk-warning

                      Problems with urination

                      • Risk factors: Bladder problems | Enlarged prostate

                        Furoscix (furosemide) typically causes you to urinate more, but sometimes the opposite can happen. If you have trouble emptying your bladder, your body might hold on to the extra urine, which can be damaging. Tell your provider if you have trouble urinating or a history of bladder problems. Your provider will likely monitor your blood work carefully to make sure Furoscix (furosemide) is safe for you.

                        risk-warning

                        Hearing problems

                        • Risk factors: Serious kidney problems | Taking other medications that can cause hearing problems | Taking higher doses of furosemide

                          There have been reports of hearing problems by people who took furosemide.
                          These side effects are linked to certain factors such as taking other medications that can cause hearing problems and serious kidney problems. If you experience hearing loss, difficulty hearing, or ringing in the ear while taking Furoscix (furosemide), please talk with your provider right away.

                          risk-warning

                          Interaction with other medications

                          Some medications can interfere with how your body gets rid of Furoscix (furosemide). This can affect the amount of Furoscix (furosemide) in your body, how well it works, and the risk of side effects.

                          Taking a high dose of methotrexate can raise the amount of Furoscix (furosemide) in your body and put you at higher risk for side effects. On the other hand, taking certain medications like phenytoin (Dilantin) can also affect the amount of Furoscix (furosemide) in your body and might cause the medication to not work as well.

                          Furoscix (furosemide) also interferes with how your body gets rid of other medications. For example, it shouldn't be taken with lithium because Furoscix (furosemide) causes your body to absorb more of lithium and raise your risk for accidental overdose. Furoscix (furosemide) shouldn’t be taken together with medications that cause hearing problems, such as tobramycin. This is because they can both worsen your hearing.

                          Let your provider or pharmacist know what other medications you’re taking before and while taking Furoscix (furosemide).

                          dosage

                          Furoscix (furosemide) dosage forms

                          Typical dosing for Furoscix (furosemide)

                          Each device delivers 30 mg under the skin in the first hour, then 12.5 mg under the skin every hour for the next 4 hours. So in total, you'll get 80 mg of furosemide over 5 hours.

                          contraindications-icon

                          Furoscix (furosemide) contraindications

                          Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Furoscix (furosemide) will not be safe for you to take.
                          • People whose kidneys can't produce urine

                          • History of allergy to furosemide or medical tapes

                          • Cirrhosis (liver scarring) or ascites (too much fluid in the stomach)

                          alternatives

                          What are alternatives to Furoscix (furosemide)?

                          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Furoscix (furosemide). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                          Furoscix (furosemide)
                          Used for:
                          Used for:
                          • Swelling (edema) due to congestive heart failure, liver problems, or kidney problems

                          $15.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Used for:
                          • Swelling due to heart failure or kidney disease

                          • Swelling due to liver disease (taken with other medications) - generic Furoscix (furosemide) only

                          • High blood pressure - generic Furoscix (furosemide) only

                          $9.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                          References

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