Brexanolone injection may cause you to feel very sleepy or have a sudden loss of consciousness during treatment. You will receive brexanolone injection in a medical facility. Your doctor will check you for signs of sleepiness every 2 hours while you are awake. Tell your doctor right away if you have extreme tiredness, if you feel like you cannot stay awake during the time you are normally awake, or if you feel like you are going to faint.
You must have a caregiver or family member help you with your child(ren) during and after receiving brexanolone injection.
Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you no longer feel sleepy or drowsy after your infusion of brexanolone.
Because of the risks with this medication, brexanolone is available only through a special restricted distribution program. A program called Zulresso Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) program. You, your doctor, and your pharmacy must be enrolled in the Zulresso REMS program before you can receive it. You will receive brexanolone in a medical facility under the observation of a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with brexanolone and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide.
Brexanolone injection is used for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD) in adults. Brexanolone injection is in a class of medications called neurosteroid antidepressants. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain.
Brexanolone comes as a solution to be injected intravenously (into your vein). It is usually given as a one-time infusion over 60 hours (2.5 days) in a medical facility.
Your doctor may temporarily or permanently stop your treatment or adjust your dose of brexanolone depending on your response to treatment and any side effects that you experience.
Brexanolone may be habit-forming. While receiving brexanolone, discuss your treatment goals with your healthcare provider.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before receiving brexanolone,
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Brexanolone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
Brexanolone may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( Web Site ) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at Web Site. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about brexanolone.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: July 15, 2019.