Consumer medicine information

AERRANE

(Isoflurane USP)


Consumer Medicine Information

What is AERRANE

AERRANE is one of a family of drugs called halogenated anaesthetics which are administered by inhalation by an anaesthetist when you go for surgery. It is a colourless liquid supplied in an amber coloured glass bottle. It is given by your anaesthetist using a vaporiser specifically designed for use with AERRANE.

What AERRANE is used for

AERRANE is a special mixture of anaesthetic drug used for inducing and maintaining heavy sleep during surgery. It is administered by inhalation by your anaesthetist. The medication produces loss of consciousness and pain sensations during the surgery.

AERRANE is washed out quickly from the body via the lungs so that recovery from the anaesthetic is rapid once the drug has been stopped.

Your doctor will help you understand the benefits of taking AERRANE during surgery in your case.

Before you receive AERRANE

Before you are due to receive it

You must tell your doctor if:

  1. You have previously had any problems with a general anaesthetic.
  2. You, or anyone in your family has malignant hyperthermia (a rare special type of severe fever).
  3. You have allergies to:

– AERRANE (if you have had this anaesthetic before and experienced allergic reaction)
– Halogenated anaesthetic agents which are breathed in to induce anaesthesia

  1. You have or have had the following medical conditions:

– any problems with your liver, including hepatitis
– myasthenia gravis, a rare disease causing severe muscle weakness
– growth or abnormalities in your brain
– heart disease; for example coronary artery disease, high or low blood pressure
– lung problems, for example asthma
– any problems with your nerves and muscles (neuromuscular disease)

  1. You are on the following medications:

– monoamine oxidase inhibitors; special drugs used for depression
– drugs called beta-blockers, which are usually used to treat high blood pressure
– isoniazid, an antibiotic used for tuberculosis
– amphetamines like cocaine
– muscle relaxing drugs
– opioids or narcotic drugs like morphine or pethidine
– treatments for high blood pressure or angina (in particular verapamil, diltiazem)
– sedatives like benzodiazepines or any sort of sleeping tablets.

These medicines may affect the way your doctor gives you AERRANE.

  1. You are pregnant, or suspect you may be pregnant. The safety of AERRANE during pregnancy is not yet known.
  2. You are breast feeding.

When you must NOT receive it

AERRANE should not be given to patients who are not suitable for receiving a general anaesthetic.

AERRANE should not be given to patients who are allergic or sensitive to halogenated anaesthetic agents.

Using AERRANE

  • AERRANE comes in a glass bottle and is supplied directly to your anaesthetist.
  • AERRANE is given only by persons trained in the administration of general anaesthesia. It is given using a vaporiser specifically designed and designated for use with AERRANE. The dose of AERRANE will be adjusted to keep you at the right depth of sleep.
  • AERRANE may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery and you MUST NOT drive or operate a machine for 24 hours after anaesthesia.
  • After receiving AERRANE you should be sent home with an accompanying person and you should not consume any alcohol.

Side Effects

As with all medicines, unwanted effects sometimes happen. AERRANE may cause some lowering of blood pressure and breathing rate, and changes in heart rate. You will not know about these things since you will be asleep, but your anaesthetist will adjust the dose of AERRANE as necessary and will give other medicines if needed.

AERRANE may cause disturbances of liver function in some people.

Shivering, nausea and vomiting on waking are common after general anaesthesia.

Some people receiving AERRANE have noticed the following side effects:

– Cough
– Rash
– Muscle spasms of the throat

After anaesthesia there may be a brief rise in your white blood cell count. Your doctor will monitor this if it happens.

It is possible that AERRANE may cause a rare group of symptoms know as malignant hyperthermia. The features of this are muscle rigidity, rapid pulse, breathing heavily and quickly, bluish lips and skin, changes in blood pressure and a fever. Your doctor will treat this by stopping the AERRANE and using other medicines as needed.

In rare cases, some people, especially those with nerve and muscle disease, have experienced changes in the way the heart beats shortly after the operation. Your doctor will monitor and treat this if it occurs.

Product Description

What it looks like

AERRANE is a colourless liquid supplied in an amber coloured glass bottle.

Ingredients

Each vial contains the active substance 1-chloro-2,2,2,-trifluoroethyl di-fluoromethyl ether.

How can I obtain more facts about AERRANE

Your doctor, anaesthetist and hospital pharmacist can discuss AERRANE with you. If you have any concerns or queries about AERRANE ask them.

Sponsor

AERRANE is manufactured by Baxter Healthcare Corporation Anaesthesia & Critical Care Division USA and is distributed in Australia by:

Baxter Healthcare Pty Ltd
1 Baxter Drive
Old Toongabbie NSW 2146
Australia

This leaflet was prepared on 16 June 2006.

Therapeutic Goods Administration Registration Number: Aust R 55105

Published by MIMS October 2006