Lasix/Furosemide IS USED FOR:

Treating fluid build-up and swelling caused by congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease. It is also used in combination with other medicines to treat fluid build-up in the lungs. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Lasix/Furosemide is a loop diuretic. Loop diuretics make the kidneys eliminate larger amounts of electrolytes (especially sodium and potassium salts) and water than normal (diuretic effect). Loop diuretics are useful for treating many conditions in which salt and water retention (eg, edema, swelling) is a problem.

DO NOT USE Lasix/Furosemide IF:

• you are unable to urinate
• you are allergic to any ingredient in Lasix/Furosemide or to sulfonamides

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF Lasix/Furosemide :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Abnormal skin sensations; bladder spasm; blurred vision; constipation; cramping; dizziness; dizziness when rising from a seated or lying position; feeling of whirling motion; fever; headache; lightheadedness; mouth and stomach irritation; muscle spasm; nausea; redness; restlessness; seeing a yellow color; ringing in the ears; sensitivity to sunlight; vein inflammation.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; diarrhea; drowsiness; dry mouth; excessive urination; hearing loss; loss of appetite; muscle pain/cramps/weakness; rapid or irregular heartbeat; restlessness; sudden joint pain; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual thirst; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

• Lasix/Furosemide may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Lasix/Furosemide may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Lasix/Furosemide with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Blood pressure should be monitored when taking Lasix/Furosemide.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Lasix/Furosemide while you are pregnant. Lasix/Furosemide is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Lasix/Furosemide , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
• Diabetes patients - Lasix/Furosemide may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Lasix/Furosemide. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments..
• Lasix/Furosemide may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Lasix/Furosemide. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Your doctor may also prescribe a potassium supplement while you use Lasix/Furosemide. Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or other product that also has potassium in it.

BEFORE USING Lasix/Furosemide :

Some medical conditions may interact with Lasix/Furosemide. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you have fluid in your abdomen, hearing impairment, liver disease, diabetes mellitus, low urine output, high blood uric acid levels, a blood disorder, kidney disease, lupus, have had a heart attack, or are dehydrated
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Lasix/Furosemide. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Digitek/Digoxin or Lithotabs/lithium because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Lasix/Furosemide
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, Motrin/ibuprofen, Indocin cr/indomethacin) because they may decrease the effectiveness of Lasix/Furosemide
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, Capoten/captopril), aminoglycosides (eg, gentamicin), ethacrynic acid, or salicylates (eg, aspirin) because serious side effects to the kidneys (decreased ability to urinate) and ears (hearing loss) may occur
• Chloral hydrate because side effects, such as excessive sweating, rapid heart beat, and changes in blood pressure, may occur

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Lasix/Furosemide may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

HOW TO USE Lasix/Furosemide :

Use Lasix/Furosemide as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Lasix/Furosemide may increase the amount of urine or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it. To keep this from disturbing your sleep, try to take your dose before 6 pm.
• Do not use Lasix/Furosemide if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
• If you miss a dose of Lasix/Furosemide , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
• Lasix/Furosemide is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Lasix/Furosemide at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Lasix/Furosemide. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lasix/Furosemide.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.