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Hi, I heard a rumor that Baclofen had been taken off of the market. I did some research, it hasn't been taken off the market BUT: http://www.mageerehab.org/e3front.dll?durki=3782 Health Warning Alert for Individuals Using the Drug “Baclofen” Philadelphia September 9, 2002—Magee Rehabilitation Hospital announced today that it has learned of a serious shortage of the drug Baclofen (also known by the trade name Lioresal). Baclofen is a drug taken orally in tablet form by individuals with various neurologic injuries and diseases, including: spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy. Baclofen used in implanted pumps appears to be unaffected by this shortage. The drug is used to alleviate symptoms of spasticity (involuntary muscle contractions and spasms). The shortage of the drug, according to its three generic manufacturers, is due to a raw materials shortage. Future supplies may not be available until January, 2003. Individuals may not be easily weaned off the drug, and if Baclofen is suddenly unavailable to users, the consequences can range from increased spasticity to delirium, seizures and even death. Magee Rehabilitation Hospital advises individuals using oral Baclofen to check with their pharmacy regarding its availability. Individuals unable to obtain oral Baclofen should contact their prescribing physician on how to proceed. AND: http://www.lexi.com/web/newdrugwarnings.jsp Warning Concerning Abrupt Discontinuation of Lioresal® Intrathecal, 4/02 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has strengthened the labeling of intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal® Intrathecal, Novartis) alerting prescribers to new safety information. A black box warning has been added addressing the potential for severe withdrawal reactions following abrupt discontinuation. Symptoms of severe withdrawal reactions include altered mental status, hyperpyrexia, rebound/exaggerated spasticity, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis. Fatalities have been reported. Patients with communication difficulties, a history of baclofen withdrawal,or injuries at the level of T-6 or above may be at increased risk. Patients and caregivers should be cautioned to keep refill appointments and to be alert to early symptoms of withdrawal. http://www.emedicine.com/recalls_and_alerts.htm 5/24/02 Abrupt Withdrawal of Baclofen (Lioresal) Intrathecal is Life-threatening Prescribing information for baclofen (Lioresal) intrathecal injection now includes a warning about rare cases of sequelae following abrupt discontinuation of therapy that includes high fever, altered mental status, exaggerated rebound spasticity, and muscle rigidity, that in rare cases has advanced to rhabdomyolysis, multiple organ-system failure and death. It is imperative for patients and healthcare providers to understand the early symptoms of baclofen withdrawal and the importance of compliance with scheduled refill visits. Carefully monitor patients with an increased risk (eg, spinal cord injuries at T-6 or above, communication difficulties, history of withdrawal symptoms from oral or intrathecal baclofen); however, all patients receiving intrathecal baclofen therapy are potentially at risk for withdrawal. Early symptoms may include return of baseline spasticity, pruritus, hypotension, and paresthesias. Some clinical characteristics of advanced withdrawal may resemble autonomic dysreflexia, infection (sepsis), malignant hyperthermia, neuroleptic-malignant syndrome, or other conditions associated with a hypermetabolic state or widespread rhabdomyolysis. Treat the withdrawal symptoms by restoring intrathecal baclofen infusion or if restoration is delayed, treat with GABA agonist drugs (eg, baclofen PO/NG plus benzodiazepines). Find more information at FDA MedWatch. Not good, you can only decrease this drug by 5 mg every 3 days until you are off of it. It has to be titrated down not abruptly stopped. If you use this med, you need to call your doctor ASAP and see what he can do. Hugs, Deborah Hugs and Warm Fuzzies, Deborah aka Tenacity Personal website & photo's http://pages.ivillage.com/tenacitywins/ http://community.webshots.com/user/tenacitywins _________________________________________________________________ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn