Acetylcysteine, Injection

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is given by IV to treat acetaminophen overdose.
• This medicine may cause unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

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What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: acetaminophen overdose antidote

Generic and brand names: acetylcysteine, injection; Acetadote

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat acetaminophen overdose.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• An allergic reaction to any medicine
• Asthma or breathing problems
• Cirrhosis or problems with alcohol abuse

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while receiving this medicine without discussing with your healthcare provider. You may need to pump and discard your milk for a short time.

How do I use it?

These infusions are given by a healthcare provider after an acetaminophen overdose.

What should I watch out for?

You will be watched very closely after you receive this medicine. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any trouble breathing or shortness of breath.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Other: Flushing, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, lightheadedness, fast heartbeat.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.