Remifentanil Viatris (Remifentanil)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Remifentanil Viatris Used For?
Remifentanil Viatris is a powerful opioid anaesthetic that works very quickly and has a very short duration of action. It’s used in hospital settings to help you sleep deeply during surgery and manage pain.
Primary Uses
Used with other anaesthetic medicines to produce and maintain heavy sleep during operations. For cardiac patients, it may help relieve pain immediately after surgery. It’s also used in Intensive Care Units to maintain sedation and relieve pain.
How It Works
Remifentanil belongs to a group of medicines called opioids. It differs from other opioids by having a very quick onset and very short duration of action, making it ideal for surgical procedures.
Professional Use Only: This medication will only be given to you by an anaesthetist or highly trained doctor. You will never be expected to give yourself this medication.
How Remifentanil Viatris Is Given
Remifentanil Viatris is only given in hospital settings by medical professionals. It’s administered directly into a vein in your arm.
Administration Methods
The medication can be given in two ways: as a slow injection into a vein, or as a slow infusion (drip). The dosage will vary according to factors like your body weight and the type of operation you’re having.
Important: Only trained medical professionals will administer this medication. The dose is carefully calculated based on your individual needs.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Slow breathing
- Breathlessness
- Slow heartbeat
- Drop in blood pressure
- Increased blood pressure (may cause headache or warmth/flushing)
- Muscle stiffness
- Shivering
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Aches
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Life-threatening breathing problems (slow, shallow, unusual or no breathing)
- Severe drowsiness or unconsciousness
- Convulsions or fits
- Signs of overdose including weak heartbeat
- Sleep apnoea (breathing pauses during sleep)
- Adrenal insufficiency symptoms (nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, low blood pressure)
- Withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders
May cause sleep apnoea and low oxygen levels in blood. Watch for breathing pauses during sleep, night awakening due to shortness of breath, or excessive daytime drowsiness.
Hormonal Effects
May affect stress response and reproductive hormone systems, causing low libido, erectile dysfunction, absence of menstrual cycles, or infertility.
Digestive Problems
May cause problems with your food pipe, including difficulty swallowing, reflux, or chest pain.
Important Warnings
Remifentanil Viatris carries serious risks and should only be used when other treatment options cannot effectively manage your pain or you cannot tolerate them.
Who Should Not Take Remifentanil Viatris
Do not use if you are allergic to remifentanil, other pain-relieving medicines similar to fentanyl, or any opioids. Allergic reactions may include shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, or skin rash and itching.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, chest or breathing problems, gallbladder or bile duct diseases, inflammation of the pancreas, or any previous allergic reactions during operations.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Using for a long time during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in the baby after birth. The medication given during labour can cause breathing problems in newborns.
Life-Threatening Breathing Problems: Can cause life-threatening or fatal breathing problems even when used as recommended. Risk is higher when first starting treatment, after dose increases, in older patients, or those with existing lung problems.
Addiction Risk: Poses risks of abuse, misuse and addiction which can lead to overdose and death. You can become addicted even if you receive it exactly as prescribed.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interact dangerously with Remifentanil Viatris, potentially causing severe drowsiness, breathing problems, coma, or death.
Serotonin Syndrome Risk: Tell your doctor if you’re taking antidepressants, especially MAOIs, as combining with opioids may cause serotonin syndrome symptoms.
- Benzodiazepines (sleeping tablets)
- Other pain relievers
- Antihistamines
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin)
- Cannabis
- Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers (blood pressure/heart medicines)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Alcohol & Driving
Strict precautions must be followed regarding alcohol consumption and activities requiring alertness.
Alcohol
You must not drink alcohol while using Remifentanil Viatris. Alcohol may interfere with the medication and increase the risk of dangerous side effects. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
If you are discharged early following treatment with Remifentanil Viatris, do not drive or operate machinery. The medication can affect your alertness and coordination.
Storage
Remifentanil Viatris should be kept in a cool dry place in the original container, where the temperature stays below 25°C. The reconstituted solution should be used immediately, but if necessary, can be kept in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C for not more than 24 hours after mixing. Do not freeze.
Overdose Information
If too much Remifentanil Viatris has been given, urgent medical attention is required. Keep the person awake by talking to them or gently shaking them. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26) or go to the Emergency Department. Overdose symptoms include slow or difficult breathing, drowsiness or unconsciousness, slow or weak heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, and convulsions. Other signs may include problems with the nervous system caused by brain damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Remifentanil Viatris has a very quick onset of action, meaning it works very rapidly when administered intravenously by your medical team.
Yes, Remifentanil Viatris poses risks of abuse, misuse and addiction which can lead to overdose and death. You can become addicted even if you receive it exactly as prescribed. Your doctor will monitor you regularly during treatment.
Stopping suddenly may worsen pain and cause withdrawal symptoms including nervousness, restlessness, body aches, loss of appetite, increased heart rate, watery eyes, runny nose, chills, and increased sweating. Your medical team will manage discontinuation appropriately.
No, you must not drink alcohol while using Remifentanil Viatris. Alcohol may interfere with the medication and combining them with other drowsiness-causing medicines can result in severe drowsiness, breathing problems, coma and death.
Elderly patients have a higher risk of life-threatening breathing problems when using Remifentanil Viatris. Your doctor will monitor you carefully and adjust the dose as appropriate for your age and condition.
Tell your doctor about all medical conditions, especially slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, breathing problems, gallbladder or bile duct diseases, and any allergies to opioid medicines. Also inform them of all medications you’re taking and if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Yes, your doctor will monitor you regularly during treatment for signs of breathing difficulties, sedation, and other side effects. The dose will be adjusted as needed based on your response and medical condition.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.