Furoscix
Furoscix (furosemide injection) is a prescription injection used to treat adults who have fluid buildup caused by chronic heart failure or chronic kidney disease. It belongs to a group of medications called loop diuretics, which help your body get rid of extra fluid. Furoscix (furosemide injection) is given through a small, wearable device called an On-body Infusor, which slowly delivers the medication under your skin over about 5 hours. Common side effects include redness, bruising, or swelling where the injection was given.
What is Furoscix (furosemide injection)?
What is Furoscix (furosemide injection) used for?
- Fluid buildup in adults with chronic heart failure or chronic kidney disease
How Furoscix (furosemide injection) works
Furoscix (furosemide injection) is a loop diuretic delivered through a wearable pump. It works in the kidneys to remove extra salt and water from the body. This reduces swelling, fluid in the lungs, and other symptoms of fluid buildup.
Drug facts
Side effects of Furoscix (furosemide injection)
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 reactions (e.g., pain, bruising, swelling, or redness)
Less Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Blurry vision
- Restlessness
- Sensitivity to sunlight
Furoscix (furosemide injection) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Dehydration and kidney problems: dry mouth, extreme thirsty, muscle pains or cramps, urinating less, headache, dry skin, nausea, vomiting
- Hearing problems: hearing loss, difficulty hearing, ringing in the ears
The following Furoscix (furosemide injection) 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 of Furoscix (furosemide injection)
Pros
- The first FDA-approved furosemide injection that can be given at home
- Relieves fluid build up in both heart failure and kidney disease
- Delivers medication through a wearable device
Cons
- Limits your movement or bending during the 5-hour infusion
- Must keep cell phones, computers, or other wireless devices at least 12 inches from wearable device
- Raises the risk of dizziness or falls
Pharmacist tips for Furoscix (furosemide injection)
- Don't give Furoscix (furosemide injection) to yourself until you've learned how to use it correctly. Your prescriber or pharmacist will guide you through your first injection.
- Furoscix (furosemide injection) isn't meant for long-term use. Once it’s safe and possible, your prescriber will likely switch you back to oral furosemide (Lasix) or another water pill.
- You might lose too much fluid or electrolytes while using Furoscix (furosemide injection), which can cause symptoms like dizziness or weakness. Try standing up slowly to prevent lightheadedness.
- Furoscix (furosemide injection) might interfere with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. If you need an MRI, ask your prescriber about the safest plan for that day.
- Some people might be more sensitive to sunlight while taking Furoscix (furosemide injection). Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you’re outdoors.
- Store Furoscix (furosemide injection) at room temperature, and keep it in its original container to protect it from light.
How to use Furoscix (furosemide injection) :
- Don’t let the On-body Infusor come in contact with water or sweat, since moisture can damage the device. Avoid showers, baths, swimming, or heavy activity during your infusion.
- You can place the On-body Infusor on either side of your belly, near the belly button. If you need another dose later, use the opposite side.
- Don’t place the Infusor on skin that’s bruised, red, sore, or hard. Also, don’t use lotions or creams where you apply the Infusor, as they might keep it from sticking properly.
- During your 5-hour infusion, avoid exercise, bending, or physical activity that might knock off the Infusor. It’s also best to avoid traveling by car or plane while the infusion is running.
- After your infusion, throw the On-body Infusor away in a sharps container. Never reuse the device.
Common questions about Furoscix (furosemide injection)
You should only use Furoscix (furosemide injection) when your prescriber tells you to since it's not a daily medication like some pills. You typically use it as needed when you have signs of fluid buildup, such as swelling, shortness of breath, or rapid weight gain. Your prescriber will help you decide how often to use it and when to check in for follow-up care. Never use Furoscix (furosemide injection) more often than instructed to.
Yes, Furoscix (furosemide injection) is a loop diuretic. It works in your kidneys to help your body get rid of extra water and electrolytes by making you urinate more. This helps reduce swelling and makes it easier for your heart and kidneys to work properly.
Yes, Furoscix (furosemide injection) can lower your blood pressure, which might cause dizziness or lightheadedness. This is more likely to happen if you stand up too quickly after sitting or lying down. To help prevent this, make sure to get up slowly while receiving this medication. Let your prescriber know if you feel faint, dizzy, or if you pass out during or after the infusion.
It’s important to stay hydrated while taking Furoscix (furosemide injection), but you probably don’t need to drink a lot of extra water unless your prescriber tells you to. Your prescriber will let you know how much water you should drink each day based on your condition.
Yes, Furoscix (furosemide injection) can cause diarrhea, although it's not one of the most common side effects. If you notice diarrhea after using this medication and it worries you, be sure to let your prescriber know.
Yes, Furoscix (furosemide injection) can cause low potassium in your blood. This happens because diuretics like Furoscix (furosemide injection) help your body get rid of extra fluid and electrolytes, including sodium and potassium, through urine. Before or after your infusion, your prescriber might order blood work to check your potassium levels. If your levels are too low, you might need to take a potassium supplement. Talk to your prescriber right away if you have symptoms of low potassium such as muscle weakness, constipation, or a tingling sensation.
Furoscix (furosemide injection) usually starts working about 1 hour after your infusion begins. You'll notice a strong urge to urinate each time you go to the bathroom. This effect can last up to 8 hours from the time the infusion starts. Make sure to stay close to a bathroom during this time.
Furoscix (furosemide injection) is an infusion form of furosemide that delivers medication under your skin over 5 hours. Lasix, which also contains furosemide, is taken as a tablet by mouth. While Lasix can be prescribed long term to manage fluid buildup, Furoscix (furosemide injection) isn't meant for long-term treatment. If you’re unsure which option is right for you, talk to your healthcare provider or learn more by comparing the two.
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Risks and warnings for Furoscix (furosemide injection)
Furoscix (furosemide injection) 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.
Dehydration and kidney problems
- Risk factors: Taking higher doses | Not getting enough electrolytes from food or drinks | Older adults | Kidney disease
Furoscix (furosemide injection) can cause changes in your body's fluid and electrolytes levels, such as potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. This can lead to problems like dehydration, low blood pressure, or issues with your blood sugar or kidney function. You're more likely to have these side effects if you take high doses, don't get enough electrolytes from food or drinks, or are older. In more serious cases, losing too much fluid can lead to fainting, blood clots, or circulation problems. Your prescriber will likely check your electrolyte levels and kidney function regularly while you're taking this medication.
Let your prescriber know if you feel weak, confused, or have dark-colored urine since these can be symptoms of dehydration. If you're urinating less than usual or if your kidney health gets worse, you might need to stop the medication.
Hearing problems
- Risk factors: Receiving the medication too quickly through an injection | Taking higher doses | Serious kidney problems | Taking other medications that can cause hearing problems
In rare cases, Furoscix (furosemide injection) has been linked to ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and hearing problems, including hearing loss. Your risk is higher if you get the medication too quickly through an injection, take a high dose, have serious kidney problems, or if you're taking other medications that can affect your hearing.
Let your prescriber know right away if you notice ringing in your ears, difficulty hearing, or any hearing loss while taking this medication.
Problems with urination
- Risk factors: Bladder problems | Enlarged prostate
Furoscix (furosemide injection) typically causes you to urinate more, but in some cases, it can lead to the opposite problem. If you have trouble emptying your bladder, your body might hold onto the extra urine, which can be harmful.
Tell your prescriber if you have trouble urinating or a history of bladder problems. They might want to monitor you closely during your first few doses to make sure you’re urinating normally. Let them know right away if you feel pain, pressure, or can’t urinate at all.
Incomplete dosing
- Risk factors: On-Body Infusor getting wet | Moving or exercising too much during the infusion
It's important to keep the Furoscix (furosemide injection) On-Body Infusor dry. Don't let the device come into contact with water, blood, or any fluids. If fluid gets into the device, it can cause damage and possibly stop the infusion early. This means you might not get your full dose.
Only use Furoscix (furosemide injection) when you're able to limit your activity for 5 hours. Movements like bending, stretching, or walking around too much can cause the On-Body Infusor to come loose or stop working properly.
You should only use Furoscix (furosemide injection) if you're able to hear and respond to its alarms. These alerts help make sure you receive the full dose safely. If you miss an alarm or don’t respond, the infusion might be incomplete, and your treatment might not work as well. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions to use the device safely and correctly.
Furoscix (furosemide injection) dosage
Typical dosage for Furoscix (furosemide injection)
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.
Furoscix (furosemide injection) 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 injection) will not be safe for you to take.
- People who can't urinate
- History of allergy to furosemide or medical tapes
