Gablofen: Uses, indications and cautions when using

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Muscle spasms caused by some cerebral palsy, trauma or spinal cord diseases cause many problems for patients. To treat this problem, your doctor may prescribe spasmolytic drugs such as baclofen with the brand name Gablofen. So what are the effects of Gablofen and some notes when using this drug?

1. What are the effects of Gablofen?

Gablofen medicine has the active ingredient Baclofen, this is an active ingredient used to treat muscle spasms caused by certain conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury/pathology. Gablofen has a relaxing effect on the muscles. If the patient does not respond or experiences many side effects when taking oral, Gablofen infusion will be indicated.

2. How to use Gablofen

Gablofen is given by injection into the space around the spinal cord (in the cortex). Gablofen is given through a pump device implanted under the patient's skin. Professionally trained medical personnel prepare and replace when the device is empty of Gablofen . The dose of Gablofen is indicated based on the medical condition and response to each patient's therapy.
If you are self-administering Gablofen at home, the patient should learn all preparation and use instructions from the doctor and healthcare professional. Before using Gablofen, inspect the product visually for precipitates or discoloration and do not use if any.
The patient does not stop taking Gablofen without consulting the doctor. If the drug is stopped suddenly, the patient may have severe withdrawal symptoms, to prevent this problem, the doctor will prescribe a gradual decrease in the dose of Gablofen.
When Gablofen is used for a long time, it may lose or decrease its effectiveness. Talk to your doctor when Gablofen doesn't work well. Immediately notify the doctor if the condition does not improve or worsen or if the patient has any signs of infection such as fever, chills, swelling, redness, pain at the injection site of Gablofen.

3. Gablofen side effects

Common side effects of Gablofen:
Drowsiness; Dizzy; Asthenia ; Headache; Constipation ; Nausea or vomiting. If any of Gablofen's side effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away.
Some other less common serious side effects of Gablofen , including:
Mental/mood changes (such as confusion, depression, hallucinations); Skin feels numb/tingling; Vision changes; Difficulty urinating; Convulsions ; Shortness of breath. A serious allergic reaction to Gablofen is very rare with symptoms including: rash, itching or swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat, dizziness, trouble breathing.

4. Notes when using Gablofen

Before using Gablofen, the patient should be determined to have no history of allergy to baclofen and inform the doctor about any other allergic conditions. In addition, some medical history of the patient should be noted before using Gablofen, including:
Recent/current infectious disease; Epileptic; Mental/mood disorders (schizophrenia); Kidney disease. Gablofen may make patients dizzy or drowsy. Note do not use alcohol or marijuana, do not drive, use machines or do anything that requires alertness when the patient is dizzy or drowsy due to Gablofen medicine.
During pregnancy, Gablofen should be used only when clearly needed and after discussing the risks and benefits with the treating physician. There have been no studies on whether Gablofen passes into breast milk, so consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug interactions can change the way Gablofen works or increase your risk of serious side effects. Make a list of all the products the patient is taking with Gablofen (including prescription, non-prescription and herbal products) and then share it with the doctor and pharmacist.
Tell the doctor or pharmacist if the patient is taking other products that cause drowsiness such as: opioid pain relievers or cough suppressants (codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medications (alprazolam, lorazepam) , muscle relaxants or antihistamines (cetirizine, diphenhydramine)... when used with Gablofen.
Gablofen overdose symptoms may include: severe drowsiness, slow breathing, shallow breathing, seizures, severe muscle weakness, loss of consciousness. If the patient is planning to travel, talk to the doctor in advance about the dosing schedule so that there is no interruption in treatment.
Gablofen will be infused continuously. If Gablofen infusion is interrupted, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. If you miss a refill appointment, please contact your doctor immediately to arrange before the medicine runs out.

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Reference source: webmd.com