NOTICE: This Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is intended for persons living in Australia.
LASIX® AND LASIX® HIGH DOSE
Furosemide (Frusemide)
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about Lasix oral medicines (tablets, oral solution) and injections.
It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking this medicine against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine.
You may need to read it again.
What Lasix is used for
Lasix contains furosemide (frusemide), which belongs to a family of drugs called diuretics. A diuretic helps reduce the amount of excess fluid in the body by increasing the amount of urine produced.
Lasix is used to treat swelling of the ankles, feet, legs or even the brain or lungs. This swelling is called oedema and can occur in some heart, lung, liver or kidney conditions.
Lasix may be used in some patients with more serious kidney problems who may have some fluid retention.
Lasix may also be used to lower high blood pressure (which is also called hypertension).
Everyone has blood pressure. This pressure helps move your blood around your body. Your blood pressure may vary at different times of the day, depending on how busy or worried you are. You have hypertension (high blood pressure) when your blood pressure stays higher than is needed, even when you are calm and relaxed.
If high blood pressure is not treated it can lead to serious health problems, including stroke, heart disease and kidney failure.
Lasix may be taken alone or in combination with other medicines to treat your condition.
Your doctor may have prescribed Lasix for another purpose.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why it has been prescribed for you.
This medicine is only available with a doctor’s prescription.
This medicine is not addictive.
Before you take it
When you must not take it
Do not take Lasix if you have:
certain liver and kidney problems
no production or no passing of urine
low blood pressure (hypotension)
low sodium levels in your blood
low potassium levels in your blood
dehydration
jaundice or history of jaundice in newborns or infants
hepatic coma or precoma
Do not take Lasix if you are allergic to:
this medicine or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet
medicines called sulfonamides (eg. some types of antibiotics which are also referred to as ‘sulfur antibiotics’) or sulfonylureas which are medicines which can be used to treat diabetes
Some symptoms of an allergic reaction include skin rash, itching, shortness of breath or swelling of the face, lips or tongue, which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing.
Do not take Lasix if you are pregnant.
Do not take Lasix if you are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed.
The active drug, furosemide (frusemide), passes into breast milk and there is a possibility your baby may be affected.
Do not take it after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack.
If you take it after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well.
Do not take Lasix if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
Before you start to take it
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to:
any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet
any other medicines called sulfonamides or sulfonylureas
any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Like most medicines of this kind, Lasix is not recommended to be used during pregnancy. If there is a need to consider Lasix during your pregnancy, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking it if you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed.
Lasix passes into breast milk and there is a possibility your baby may be affected. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking it if you are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed.
Tell your doctor if you have or have had any medical conditions, especially the following:
liver problems
kidney problems
heart problems
high cholesterol levels
asthma
diabetes
gout, a disease with painful, swollen joints
passing less urine than is normal for you
difficulty passing urine
no production or no passing of urine
prostate problems
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a disease affecting the skin, joints and kidneys
Tell your doctor if you are on a salt restricted diet.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you take Lasix.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food store.
Some medicines should not be taken with Lasix. This includes large amounts of laxatives.
Some medicines may interfere with Lasix. These include:
certain other fluid tablets or diuretic medicines
medicines used to treat high blood pressure and some other heart conditions, especially ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists
digoxin and other medicines used to treat heart failure
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin, medicines used to relieve pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation, including arthritis
methotrexate, a medicine used to treat arthritis and some types of cancer
probenecid, a medicine used to treat gout
medicines used to relax muscles before or during surgery
lithium, a medicine used to treat mood swings and some types of depression
medicines used in emergency situations such as adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine)
cisplatin, a medicine used to treat cancer
theophylline, a medicine used to treat asthma
certain antibiotics, especially cephalosporins and aminoglycosides
amphotericin B (amphotericin), a medicine used to treat fungal infections
barbiturates, medicine used to treat epilepsy, to produce calmness, or to help you sleep
narcotic/strong pain killers such as codeine and morphine
insulin and tablets used to treat diabetes
sucralfate, a medicine used to treat stomach ulcers
anticonvulsant medicines such as chloral hydrate or phenytoin
corticosteroids such as cortisone, prednisone or dexamethasone
medicines used to treat thyroid conditions
risperidone, an antipsychotic medication used to schizophrenia
medicines used during scans to see the images of your body
These medicines may be affected by Lasix, or may affect how well it works. You may need to use different amounts of your medicine, or take different medicines. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you.
You should not eat large amounts of liquorice when you are taking Lasix.
Your doctor or pharmacist has more information on medicines to be careful with or to avoid while taking Lasix.
How to take it
How much to take
Follow the directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully.
These directions may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure of the correct dose for you.
They will tell you exactly how much to take.
Follow the instructions they give you. If you take the wrong dose, Lasix may not work as well and your problem may not improve.
How to take it
Tablets or oral solution:
Take Lasix tablets with a glass of water.
You can take Lasix oral solution with water.
Injections:
Lasix injections are normally administered to you by doctors or nurses in hospital.
When to take it
Tablets or oral solution:
Lasix tablets or oral solution are usually taken once or twice a day.
Take Lasix tablets or oral solution on an empty stomach. For example, one hour before food or two hours after food.
Food can interfere with their absorption.
Take Lasix tablets or oral solution at about the same time each day unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Taking your medicine at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take the medicine.
If your doctor prescribes Lasix tablets or oral solution to be taken once a day, it is best done in the morning, for example, before breakfast.
If you are taking Lasix tablets or oral solution more than once a day, take your first dose immediately before breakfast and take your last dose around 2:00 pm (on an empty stomach), unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Lasix may increase the amount of urine you pass, it will also increase the number of times you need to go to the toilet. By taking your last dose around 2:00 pm, there may be less chance that your sleep is disturbed.
Injections:
Lasix Injections are normally given by doctors or nurses in hospital.
If you are not sure when to receive it, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
How long to take it
Oedema:
Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.
The medicine helps control your condition and lowers the fluid build up in your body.
Hypertension:
Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.
The medicine helps control your blood pressure, but it does not cure it. Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure how long to take the medicine for.
If you forget to take it
Do not try to make up for missed doses by taking more than one dose at a time.
This may increase the chance of getting an unwanted side effect.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take the next dose when you are meant to.
If there is still a long time to go before your next dose, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking it as you would normally.
If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have trouble remembering when to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for hints.
If you take too much (overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor, or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone Australia 13 11 26 or New Zealand 0800 POISON or 0800 764766), or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital, if you think you or anyone else may have taken too much Lasix.
Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
You may need urgent medical attention.
If you take too much Lasix, you may feel confused, dehydrated, dizzy or you may pass excessive urine.
While you are using it
Things you must do
Tell all the doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking Lasix.
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking Lasix.
If you plan to have a surgery that needs a general anaesthetic, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Your blood pressure may drop suddenly.
If you become pregnant while you are taking this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Tell your doctor if you have excessive vomiting or diarrhoea while taking Lasix or if you experience any of the following symptoms:
dry mouth or thirst
fainting
weakness, tiredness or drowsiness
muscle pain or cramps
fast heart beat
passing less urine than normal
If you experience these symptoms, you may be dehydrated because you are losing too much water.
Make sure you drink enough water during any exercise and during hot weather when you are taking Lasix, especially if you sweat a lot.
If you do not drink enough water while taking Lasix, you may feel faint or light-headed or sick. This is because your blood pressure is dropping suddenly and you are dehydrating. If you continue to feel unwell, tell your doctor.
If you are about to have any blood tests, tell your doctor that you are taking Lasix.
There may be some interference with the results of these tests.
If you are taking Lasix to treat high blood pressure, make sure you have your blood pressure checked when your doctor says to make sure Lasix is working properly.
Things you must not do
Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Do not use this medicine to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not stop taking Lasix, or change the dosage, without checking with your doctor.
Things to be careful of
If you feel light-headed, dizzy or faint, get up slowly when getting out of bed or standing up.
You may feel light-headed or dizzy when you begin to take Lasix. This is because your blood pressure is falling suddenly. Standing up slowly, especially when you get up from beds or chairs, will help your body get used to the change in position and blood pressure. If this problem continues or gets worse, talk to your doctor.
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Lasix affects you.
Diuretic medicines may cause dizziness or light-headedness in some people. Make sure you know how you react to your medicine before you drive a car, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or light-headed.
If this occurs do not drive.
If you drink alcohol or take strong painkillers, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse.
The effects of alcohol could be made worse while taking Lasix. It is not recommended that you drink alcohol while taking Lasix.
There are two Lasix Oral Solution formulations available.
Lasix oral solution (not requiring refrigeration) contains ethanol (alcohol) 0.5g per 5ml dose, which is equivalent to 12.7ml of beer or 5.3ml of wine per 5ml dose.
If you are taking Lasix for a long period of time, you should check with your doctor to determine whether or not you should eat more potassium-containing foods or take potassium supplements. However, increasing the amount of potassium in your diet may not be necessary and could be harmful. Check with your doctor.
Lasix may cause your skin to become more sensitive to the sun. If this happens you should take care to wear protective clothing including a hat and sun block when you are outside.
Things that may help your condition
Some self-help measures suggested below may help your condition.
Alcohol – your doctor may advise you to limit your alcohol intake
diet – eat a healthy diet which includes plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, cereals and fish. Also eat less fat and sugar
exercise – regular exercise helps reduce blood pressure and helps the heart get fitter, but it is important not to overdo it. Walking is a good exercise, but try to find a route that is fairly flat. Before starting any exercise, ask your doctor about the best kind of program for you
salt – if you have high blood pressure, your doctor may advise you to watch the amount of salt in your diet. To reduce your salt intake you should avoid using salt in cooking or at the table
smoking – your doctor may advise you to stop smoking or at least to cut it down
weight – your doctor may suggest that you lose some weight to help lower your blood pressure and help lessen the amount of work your heart has to do. Some people may need a dietician’s help to lose weight.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about these measures and for more information.
Side effects
All medicines have some unwanted side effects. Sometimes they are serious, but most of the time they are not. Your doctor has weighed the risks of using this medicine against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects.
You may not experience any of them.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Lasix.
Lasix helps most people with high blood pressure or fluid retention, but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
very dry mouth or unusual thirst
weight loss
weakness or tiredness
numbness or tingling in the hands and/or feet
calf muscle spasms
muscle pains or cramps
restlessness
drowsiness or a lack of energy
dizziness or light-headedness
headache
fever
vomiting or nausea
diarrhoea
blurred or impaired vision
unusual bleeding or bruising under the skin
ringing or buzzing in the ears
confusion
These are more common side effects of Lasix. Mostly they are mild or short-lived.
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:
irregular or fast heart beat
passing less urine than is normal for you
severe stomach pain, often with nausea or vomiting
severe dizziness or a spinning sensation
increased sensitivity to sunlight
flaking or peeling of the skin
symptoms of anaemia such as tiredness, being short of breath when exercising, dizziness and looking pale
frequent infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, nose bleeds
loss of control of your bladder or bowels (incontinence)
gout, a disease with painful, swollen joints
deafness or ringing in the ears
These may be serious side effects of Lasix. You may need urgent medical attention. Serious side effects are uncommon.
If any of the following happen, tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital:
sudden signs of allergy such as rash, itching or hives (pinkish, itchy raised areas) on the skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing
chest pain
fainting or having a rapid, weak pulse
lockjaw
red, often itchy spots similar to the rash seen with measles which starts on the limbs and sometimes on the face and body. The spots may blister and may progress to form raised red, pale-centred marks. Those affected may have fever, sore throat, headache with or without diarrhoea
yellowing of the skin and/or eyes (jaundice)
These are serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. These side effects are very rare.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed above may occur in some people.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
After using it
If you have any queries about any aspect of your medicine, or any questions regarding the information in this leaflet, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
Storage
Keep your Lasix tablets or oral solution in the bottle until it is time to take them.
If you store your Lasix tablets or oral solution out of the container they may not keep well.
Keep your Lasix tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
There are two Lasix Oral Solution formulations available. Refer to product label for instructions regarding storage conditions. Do not store Lasix or any other medicine in the bathroom, near a sink, or on a windowsill.
Do not leave it in the car.
Heat and damp can destroy some medicines.
Keep it where children cannot reach it.
A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Lasix injection is usually stored in the pharmacy or on the ward. The injection is kept in a cool dry place, protected from light, where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Disposal
If your doctor tells you to stop taking Lasix or the medicine has passed its expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any that is left over.
Return any unused medicine to your pharmacist.
Product description
What it looks like
Lasix M 20 mg tablets: white round tablets, marked with “DLF” on one side. These are supplied in bottles of 50 tablets.
Lasix 40 mg tablets: yellow round tablets, marked with “Lasix” and “40” on one side and the Hoechst logo on the other side. These are supplied in bottles of 100 tablets.
Lasix oral solution: a clear, yellow liquid with the odour and taste of orange. It is supplied in a glass, amber-coloured bottle of 30 mL.
Lasix injection is a clear, colourless liquid presented in a glass, amber-coloured ampoule. It is supplied in packs of 5 ampoules of 2 mL or 4 mL solution.
Lasix High Dose injection is a clear, colourless liquid presented in a glass, amber-coloured ampoule. It is supplied in packs of 5 or 6 ampoules of 25 mL solution.
Ingredients
Active ingredient:
Lasix M 20 mg tablets contain 20 mg furosemide (frusemide) per tablet.
Lasix 40 mg tablets contain 40 mg furosemide (frusemide) per tablet.
Lasix oral solution contains 10 mg/mL furosemide (frusemide) (300 mg in 30 mL solution).
Lasix and Lasix High Dose injections contain 10 mg/mL furosemide (frusemide) (20 mg in 2 mL, 40 mg in 4 mL, or 250 mg in 25 mL ampoules)
Inactive ingredients:
Lasix M 20 mg tablets also contain maize starch, lactose monohydrate, colloidal anhydrous silica, purified talc, magnesium stearate.
Lasix 40 mg tablets also contain maize starch, lactose monohydrate, colloidal anhydrous silica, purified talc, magnesium stearate, sunset yellow FCF, quinoline yellow aluminium lake.
There are two Lasix Oral Solution formulations available.
Lasix oral solution (refrigerated) also contains sorbitol, glycerol, sodium hydroxide, methyl hydroxybenzoate, potassium sorbate, polysorbate 80, butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, ethanol, tetrarome orange 987431, quinoline yellow, purified water.
Lasix oral solution (not requiring refrigeration) contains ethanol (alcohol) 0.5g per 5ml dose, which is equivalent to 12.7ml of beer or 5.3ml of wine per 5ml dose. It also contains sorbitol solution (70 per cent) (non-crystallising), glycerol, sodium hydroxide, methyl hydroxybenzoate, propyl hydroxybenzoate, quinoline yellow, sunset yellow FCF, Trusil orange flavour 10814413 (P.I. No. 106046), purified water.
Lasix injections also contain sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide and water for injections. Contains 0.16 mmol/mL of sodium.
Lasix High Dose injections also contain mannitol, sodium hydroxide and water for injections. Contains 0.03 mmol/mL of sodium.
Manufacturer/Sponsor
Lasix is supplied in Australia by:
sanofi-aventis australia pty ltd
12-24 Talavera Road
Macquarie Park NSW 2113
Freecall No: 1800 818 806
Lasix is supplied in New Zealand by:
sanofi-aventis new zealand limited
Level 8, 56 Cawley Street
Ellerslie, Auckland 1051
Freecall No: 0800 283 684
Australian Register Numbers
The following products are available in Australia:
Lasix M 20 mg tablets*: AUST R 12409
Lasix 40 mg tablets*: AUST R 12406
Lasix oral solution (refrigerated) 10 mg/ mL: AUST R 12405
Lasix oral solution 10 mg/ mL: AUST R 232815
Lasix 20 mg/2 mL injection*: AUST R 12404
Lasix 40 mg/4 mL injection*: AUST R 76767
Lasix High Dose 250 mg/25 mL injection: AUST R 12408
*Not available in New Zealand
The following products are available in New Zealand:
Lasix oral solution 10 mg/ mL
Lasix High Dose 250 mg/25 mL injection
This leaflet was prepared in April 2020
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