NUBIN Injection 10mg Injection

Nalbuphine is a strong opioid painkiller given as an injection. It is used:

• for pain bad enough to need an opioid when other treatments are not enough
• before and after surgery, and alongside anaesthesia
• for pain relief during labour and delivery

It acts on opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to reduce pain.

Nalbuphine is given by a doctor or nurse as an injection, usually into a vein, muscle or under the skin. They will choose the dose and watch you closely, especially at first.

• Tell staff if your pain is not controlled; do not ask for extra doses outside what is prescribed.
• After long use, it should be reduced slowly rather than stopped suddenly, to avoid withdrawal.

Common side effects include:

• sleepiness
• sweating
• feeling or being sick
• dizziness or a spinning feeling
• dry mouth and headache

Get medical help straight away if you or someone with you notices:

• slow, shallow or difficult breathing
• extreme sleepiness or being hard to wake
• fainting or very low blood pressure
• swelling of the face or throat, rash or trouble breathing (allergic reaction)
• agitation, fever, shaking or muscle twitching

Tell your doctor before you are given it if you:

• have asthma or other lung or breathing problems
• have had a head injury, brain tumour or fits
• have a blocked bowel, or liver, kidney or gallbladder problems
• regularly take other opioids (it can cause withdrawal)
• take benzodiazepines, sleeping tablets, gabapentin or pregabalin, muscle relaxants or antidepressants, or have taken an MAOI in the past 14 days
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Store at room temperature (20–25°C) in the carton to protect from light. It is usually stored and handled by healthcare staff.

Breathing: it can slow breathing dangerously, especially at the start or after a dose increase.

Alcohol and sedatives: do not drink alcohol; with sedatives it can cause deep sleepiness, coma or death.

Addiction: it can be misused or cause dependence.

Labour: it can slow the baby's heartbeat, so the baby is monitored.

Driving: do not drive or use machines until you know how it affects you.