Pantoprazole (Injection)

Introduction:

Pantoprazole (pan-TOE-pra-zole)

Treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in people who have had damage to the lining of the esophagus. Also treats high levels of acid in the stomach that is caused by a tumor (such as in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).

Brand Name(s):

Protonix

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• You will need to switch to oral tablets as soon as you are able to use them. Carefully follow your health caregiver's instructions for how to make this change. It is important to make sure you continue to have enough medicine in your body while you are making this change.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. After the powder medicine has been mixed with the first liquid, you can keep it at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After this mixture has been mixed with the second liquid, you can keep it at room temperature for up to 22 hours.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using ketoconazole (Nizoral®), ampicillin (Omnipen®), an iron supplement, or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have problems with how much zinc (a mineral) you have in your body.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests. This includes tests for Marinol®, dronabinol, or marijuana.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
• Redness, swelling, or pain where the needle is placed.
• Unusual tiredness, weakness, or trouble with muscle coordination.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation.
• Trouble sleeping.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: