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What is the most important information I should know about bupivacaine?

You should not receive bupivacaine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of numbing medicine.

Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, syphilis, polio, a brain or spinal cord tumor, chronic back pain, a headache, low or high blood pressure, a curved spine, or arthritis.

This medication can cause numbness over a large portion of your body. Take care to avoid injury before the feeling has returned completely.

Spinal numbing medications can have long-lasting or permanent effects on certain body processes such as sexual function, bowel or bladder control, and movement or feeling in your legs or feet. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of nerve damage from bupivacaine.

What is bupivacaine?

Bupivacaine is an anesthetic (numbing medicine) that blocks the nerve impulses that send pain signals to your brain.

Bupivacaine is used as a local (in only one area) anesthetic for a spinal block.

Bupivacaine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving bupivacaine?

You should not receive bupivacaine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of numbing medicine.

Before receiving bupivacaine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease;

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;

• syphilis, polio, or a brain or spinal cord tumor;

• chronic back pain or a headache;

• low or high blood pressure;

• curvature of the spine; or

• arthritis.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive bupivacaine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Before you receive bupivacaine, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Bupivacaine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Before you receive bupivacaine, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is bupivacaine given?

Bupivacaine is given as an injection placed into an area of your lower back near your spine. You will receive this injection in a hospital or surgical setting.

Spinal numbing medications can have long-lasting or permanent effects on certain body processes such as sexual function, bowel or bladder control, and movement or feeling in your legs or feet. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of nerve damage from bupivacaine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since bupivacaine is given as needed before a surgery or other medical procedure, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Tell your caregivers right away if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, fainting, seizure (convulsions), shallow breathing, or breathing that stops.

What should I avoid after receiving bupivacaine?

This medication can cause numbness over a large portion of your body. Take care to avoid injury before the feeling has returned completely.