What is NATRECOR®?
In 1988 Scios began development of a natural human peptide (protein fragment) called human B-type natriuretic peptide (hBNP) that is normally produced by the heart. NATRECOR® is a recombinant form of the natural human peptide, hBNP. The advent of NATRECOR™ marked an important evolution in the understanding and treatment of acute heart failure.
How does NATRECOR® work?
NATRECOR® helps patients with heart failure when their condition worsens to the point that they have difficulty breathing when they are at rest or when they engage in minimal physical activity (like talking, eating, or bathing). Available only by prescription and administered directly into the bloodstream (intravenously) of patients who experience such an episode, NATRECOR® relaxes the muscles that surround blood vessels, resulting in improved blood flow throughout the body.
What side effects might I have when taking NATRECOR® (nesiritide)?
Use of NATRECOR® has been associated with side effects, such as low blood pressure, dizziness, and lightheadedness. If any of these symptoms occur, please alert your healthcare professional immediately. Be sure to ask your healthcare professional about the potential side effects of NATRECOR®, and other treatment options for heart failure. Read more Important Safety Information.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Please see the Important Safety Information below. 
INDICATION NATRECOR® (nesiritide) is a drug that is used by doctors, primarily in the hospital setting. NATRECOR® helps patients with heart failure when their condition worsens to the point that they have difficulty breathing when they are not active (like when they are resting in bed) or when they engage in slight physical activity (like brushing their teeth). In clinical studies, NATRECOR® improved breathing and lowered the blood pressure in their lungs. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION NATRECOR® should not be used in patients with certain types of heart failure. NATRECOR® may reduce kidney function in some patients. In clinical studies, more patients receiving NATRECOR® had increases in a common blood measurement called "serum creatinine" than patients who were treated with standard therapy. Increases in serum creatinine often suggest that kidney function has declined. These changes were particularly noticeable at higher doses. For this reason, it is important your doctor uses NATRECOR® at the recommended dose. In some of the clinical trials more patients who were treated with NATRECOR® died than patients treated with other standard medications. These differences were small and the deaths may or may not have been caused by NATRECOR®. Use of NATRECOR® can lower blood pressure. When NATRECOR® causes a drop in blood pressure it can be a serious side effect requiring treatment. It is important that your doctor only use NATRECOR® in a setting where your blood pressure can be closely monitored. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider about NATRECOR®'s potential side effects, and other treatment options for heart failure. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please click here to see Full Prescribing Information for NATRECOR®. |
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