Sezaby

When Sezaby (phenobarbital) is given with opioids (strong medications for pain or sedation), there's a risk of severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. These side effects include extreme sleepiness, slowed breathing, coma, or even death. The care team will only use this combination of medications if it's clearly needed and for the shortest amount of time possible. If your baby needs to take Sezaby (phenobarbital) and an opioid at the same time, the care team will carefully look for breathing problems and excessive sleepiness while caring for your baby. Look for these signs as well when you spend time with your baby at the bedside, and call for help right away if you do.

• Risk factors: Taking Sezaby (phenobarbital) with medications that cause slowed breathing

Sezaby (phenobarbital) can potentially cause breathing problems in your baby. Your baby's risk is higher if they're receiving Sezaby (phenobarbital) with other medications that have a slowing or calming effect on the body, such as sedatives and opioids. In some cases, slowed breathing can be life-threatening. Let the care team know if your baby's taking any other medications so they can check for potentially dangerous interactions. They'll closely monitor your baby's breathing while getting treated.

Severe allergic reactions to Sezaby (phenobarbital) are possible, including rash, fever, and swelling. Additionally, Sezaby (phenobarbital) can cause serious skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and DRESS syndrome. These reactions can appear as severe rash, fever, skin reddening, blisters, skin peeling, or facial swelling. Finally, reactions like pain or swelling can happen near the area where Sezaby (phenobarbital) is infused. The care team will watch your baby for any of these severe reactions. If they occur, they'll likely stop Sezaby (phenobarbital). Let them know right away if you notice any of these symptoms in your baby.

• Risk factors: History of heart problems, slow heart rate, or other abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) | Uncontrolled hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) | Abnormal electrolytes | Taking other medications that cause QT prolongation

Sezaby (phenobarbital) can affect your baby's heart rhythm, which can be serious and life-threatening. One example includes affecting the time it takes for the heart to pump and then relax. This is known as QT prolongation. Your baby's risk for QT prolongation is higher if they have certain factors, including abnormal electrolyte levels and heart rhythm problems, among others. The care team will closely monitor your baby's heart rate and heart rhythm while using the medication.