Pronunciation:

loo-sin-AK-tant

Brand Names:

• Surfaxin

Dosage Forms:

• Suspension

Classifications:

Therapeutic—

Lung Surfactant

Uses of This Medicine:

Lucinactant injection is used to prevent respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature infants at risk for RDS. RDS is a breathing or lung problem which is more common in premature infants because their lungs are not making enough surfactant. Surfactant is a liquid produced naturally in the lungs that helps an infant breathe air normally.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Before Using This Medicine:

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies—

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Children—

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of lucinactant injection in premature infants.

Older adults—

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of lucinactant injection in geriatric patients.

Other medicines—

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other interactions—

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems—

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome—Surfaxin® is not indicated for use in patients with this condition.

• Airway blockage or
• Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

Proper Use of This Medicine:

A doctor or other trained health professional will give your child this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given directly into your child's lungs through his endotracheal (breathing) tube.

Precautions While Using This Medicine:

It is very important that your child's doctor check your child's progress closely while receiving the medicine. This will allow the doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if your child should continue to receive it.

Side Effects of This Medicine:

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Bluish lips or skin

cough

coughing up blood

fast heartbeat

fever or chills

pale skin

rapid, shallow breathing

shortness of breath

slow heartbeat

sneezing

troubled breathing

wheezing

Incidence not known

Blue or white in color

heart may stop

no oxygen to lungs

patient unresponsive

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

clay-colored stools

coma

convulsions

dark urine

decreased urine output

fruit-like breath odor

loss of appetite

rapid, deep breathing

rash

restlessness

sweating

swelling of the face, ankles, or hands

unusual bleeding or bruising

vomiting of blood

yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.