Pronunciation:

an-jee-oh-TEN-sin too

Brand Names:

• Giapreza

Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Classifications:

Therapeutic—

Vasopressor

Uses of This Medicine:

Angiotensin II injection is used to increase blood pressure in adults with septic shock or other kinds of shock. It is a naturally occurring substance in the body that causes the narrowing of blood vessels, which increases the blood pressure.

This medicine must be given only by or under the direct supervision of your 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 have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of angiotensin II injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Older adults—

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of angiotensin II injection in the elderly.

Breast-feeding—

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

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:

• Blood clotting problems—Use with caution. May make this condition worse.

Proper Use of This Medicine:

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It is given through a needle placed into one of your veins.

Precautions While Using This Medicine:

It is very important that your doctor check your progress to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may increase your risk of developing blood clots. Check with your doctor right away if you have swelling and pain in your arms, legs, or stomach, chest pain, shortness of breath, loss of sensation, confusion, or problems with muscle control or speech.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

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

Black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

blood in the urine or stools

confusion as to time, place, or person

drowsiness

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

headache

nausea

pain in the arms, legs, or lower back, especially in the calves or heels upon exertion

pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg

pinpoint red spots on the skin

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

troubled breathing

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

Less common

Blurred vision

dry mouth

flushed, dry skin

fruit-like breath odor

increased hunger

increased thirst

increased urination

itching of the skin

numbness and tingling of the face, fingers, or toes

pale, bluish-colored, or cold hands or feet

stomach pain

sweating

unexplained weight loss

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

Itching in the genitals or other skin areas

scaling

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.