{"id":23131,"date":"2022-07-21T06:54:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-21T06:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/?p=23131"},"modified":"2022-07-22T06:24:37","modified_gmt":"2022-07-22T06:24:37","slug":"simdax","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/medicines\/simdax\/","title":{"rendered":"Simdax &#8211; Levosimendan uses, dose and side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>2.5 mg \/ ml&nbsp;concentrate for&nbsp;solution for&nbsp;infusion<br>levosimendan<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Simdax is and what it is used for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Simdax is a concentrated form of medicine that must be diluted before it is given to you as an&nbsp;intravenous&nbsp;infusion&nbsp;(drip).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Simdax both strengthens the pumping power of the heart and dilates blood vessels.\u00a0Simdax means that the blood clotting in your lungs will be reduced and the blood and oxygen transport to the organs will be facilitated.\u00a0Treatment with Simdax helps reduce the shortness of breath that occurs in severe\u00a0heart failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Simdax is used to treat&nbsp;heart failure&nbsp;in people who still have difficulty breathing, despite receiving other medications to get rid of water accumulation in the body.<br><a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What you need to know before using Simdax<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do not use Simdax<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to\u00a0levosimendan\u00a0or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).<\/li><li>if you have very low blood pressure or an abnormally fast heartbeat<\/li><li>if you have severe kidney or liver disease<\/li><li>in cases of heart disease that makes it difficult to fill or empty the heart<\/li><li>if you have had a heart rhythm disorder called\u00a0Torsades de Pointes.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warnings and cautions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk to your doctor before using Simdax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>if you have any kidney or liver disease<\/li><li>in case of\u00a0anemia\u00a0and concomitant chest pain<\/li><li>If you have abnormally fast heartbeats, abnormal heart rhythms, or if you have\u00a0atrial fibrillation,\u00a0or an abnormally low level of\u00a0potassium\u00a0in your blood, your doctor will be extra careful when using Simdax.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Children and young people<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Simdax should not be used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other medicines and Simdax<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have been given other heart medications by drip, your&nbsp;blood pressure&nbsp;may drop if you receive Simdax.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before using this medicine.\u00a0It is not known if Simdax affects the fetus during pregnancy.\u00a0Your doctor will determine if the benefit to you outweighs the potential risk to your child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are indications that Simdax passes into breast milk.\u00a0You should not breastfeed while using Simdax to avoid possible cardiovascular side effects in your baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving and using machines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You are responsible for assessing whether you are fit to drive a motor vehicle or perform work that requires sharpened attention.\u00a0One of the factors that can affect your ability in these respects is the use of drugs due to their effects and\/or\u00a0side effects.\u00a0Descriptions of these effects and\u00a0side effects\u00a0can be found in other sections.\u00a0Read all the information in this leaflet for guidance.\u00a0If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Simdax contains alcohol<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This medicine contains 3,925 mg of alcohol (anhydrous\u00a0ethanol\u00a0) per 5 ml\u00a0vial, corresponding to about 98% by volume.\u00a0The amount in a 5 ml\u00a0vial\u00a0of this medicine corresponds to 99.2 ml of beer or 41.3 ml of wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The alcohol in this medicine may affect the ability to drive and use machines.&nbsp;This is because your judgment and ability to react may be affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have&nbsp;epilepsy&nbsp;or liver problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The alcohol in this medicine may affect the effectiveness of other medicines.\u00a0Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other medicines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are or have been addicted to alcohol, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The effects of alcohol may be reduced as this medicine is usually given slowly over 24 hours.<br><a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to use Simdax<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Simdax will be given to you as a drip and is therefore given at the hospital where the doctor can monitor you.\u00a0Your doctor will adjust the\u00a0dose\u00a0individually for you.\u00a0Your doctor will monitor how you react to Simdax (eg by measuring\u00a0your heart rate,\u00a0blood pressure,\u00a0ECG,\u00a0and feeling).\u00a0If necessary, your doctor may change the\u00a0dose\u00a0one.\u00a0Your doctor may monitor you for up to 4-5 days after stopping the Simdax\u00a0infusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will usually receive a rapid&nbsp;infusion&nbsp;over 10 minutes followed by a slower&nbsp;infusion&nbsp;for up to 24 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your doctor should continuously monitor how you react to Simdax.&nbsp;Your doctor may reduce the&nbsp;infusion rate&nbsp;if your&nbsp;blood pressure&nbsp;drops, if your heart beats too fast or if you do not feel well.&nbsp;Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if you experience palpitations, if you feel dizzy or if you feel that the effect of Simdax is too weak or too strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your doctor thinks you need more Simdax and you do not have any\u00a0side effects, the speed of your\u00a0infusion\u00a0may be increased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your doctor will give you your Simdax\u00a0infusion\u00a0for as long as you need it to support your heart.\u00a0Usually, this is for 24 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The effect on the heart lasts for at least 24 hours after the end of Simdax&nbsp;infusion&nbsp;and can last up to 7-10 days.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you take more Simdax than you should<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Too high a&nbsp;dose&nbsp;of Simdax can cause your&nbsp;blood pressure&nbsp;to drop and your&nbsp;heart rate&nbsp;to increase.&nbsp;Your doctor will assess how you should be treated based on your general condition.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Possible side effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like all medicines, this medicine can cause\u00a0side effects, although not everybody gets them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Very common (may affect more than 1 user in 10):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Abnormally fast heartbeat<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Headache<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Drop in blood pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Low potassium in the blood<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sleeping problems<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dizziness<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A type of heart rhythm disorder called&nbsp;atrial fibrillation&nbsp;(part of the heart stands and flutters instead of beating properly)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Extra stroke<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Heart failure<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your heart is not getting enough oxygen<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nausea<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Constipation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Diarrhea<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vomiting<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Low blood levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A type of heart rhythm disorder called&nbsp;ventricular fibrillation&nbsp;(part of the heart is fluttering instead of beating properly) has been reported in patients receiving Simdax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your doctor immediately if you get any\u00a0side effects.\u00a0Your doctor may reduce the drip rate or stop the drip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If any of the&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;gets serious, or if you notice any&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to store Simdax<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep out of sight and reach of children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Store in a refrigerator (2 \u00b0 C &#8211; 8 \u00b0 C).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not freeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The prepared solution is used within 24 hours after dilution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents of the packaging and other information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Content declaration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The active substance is&nbsp;levosimendan&nbsp;2.5 mg \/ ml.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For further information on this medicine, please contact your local representative: Orion Pharma AB, Danderyd, medinfo@orionpharma.comr\u00a0levosimendan\u00a02.5 mg\/ml.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The other ingredients are povidone, citric acid, and\u00a0ethanol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Orion Corporation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Orionintie 1<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>FI-02200 Espoo<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finland<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Manufacturer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Orion Corporation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>PO Box 65<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>FI-02101 Espoo<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finland<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Simdax is a concentrated form of medicine that must be diluted before it is given to you as an\u00a0intravenous\u00a0infusion\u00a0(drip).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2200,18530],"tags":[24163,24168,24159,24162,24164,24167,24160,24165,24161],"class_list":["post-23131","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-medicines","category-s","tag-benefits-of-levosimendan","tag-benefits-of-simdax","tag-levosimendan","tag-levosimendan-side-effects","tag-simdax","tag-simdax-side-effects","tag-what-is-levosimendan","tag-what-is-simdax","tag-what-levosimendan-is-ued-for"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23131","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23131"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23131\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23172,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23131\/revisions\/23172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23131"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23131"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23131"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}