Baclofen belongs to a group of medicines called muscle relaxants. This medicine is used to reduce excess tension in muscles, which causes spasms. These spasms happen in various conditions such as MS and diseases or injuries of the spinal cord.
Because this medicine reduces spasms and the pain that goes with them, it can help with mobility and manage daily activities more easily.
Baclofen can be administered either orally or intrathecally (injection into spinal canal).
Oral: Treatment is usually started with small doses of baclofen. The dose is then gradually increased to an amount that works best for you.
Intrathecal: This can only be given by experienced doctors using special medical equipment. You will need to stay in hospital, at least at the beginning of treatment. Your doctor will inject a small amount of baclofen into your spinal cord to see if it improves your muscle spasms. If it does, then a special pump will be implanted under the skin of your abdomen. The pump will give you a small amount of medicine, delivered at a constant rate.
You will be monitored closely in a fully equipped and staffed environment during the screening phase and dose-titration period immediately following pump implant. You will regularly be assessed for your dosage requirements, for possible side effects or evidence of infection. The functioning of the delivery system will also be checked.
You or the person caring for you will be shown how to look after the pump at home and how to keep the skin where it has been implanted free from infection. It may take several days to find the amount of medicine that suits you best. Your doctor will keep a close watch on you during this time.
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention. Some side effects could be associated with the intrathecal delivery system.
Common side effects include daytime sleepiness, lack of energy, tiredness, dizziness or light-headedness, vertigo, confusion, headache, difficulty sleeping or nightmares, nausea, retching or vomiting, constipation, stomach cramps or diarrhoea, loss of appetite, stuffy nose, dry mouth, change in sense of taste, misuse, abuse and dependence, numbness, muscle weakness or spasms, swelling of ankles, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, frequent urination, excessive sweating, weight gain, impotence or inability to ejaculate, increased blood sugar, low body temperature.
There is no information on use of this medicine in pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and ask about the risks and benefits involved.
There is no information on use of this medicine while breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding and ask about the risks and benefits involved.
Baclofen has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for the treatment of muscle stiffness or spasms in MS and is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
For details of the criteria required to receive a prescription for intrathecal baclofen through the PBS, please visit the official PBS website at: https://www.pbs.gov.au/pbs/search?term=baclofen&search-type=medicines . Click on “baclofen intrathecal injection” at the bottom of the page and click on the red Authority Required (STREAMLINED) link.
If you are eligible for medications through the PBS, you will need to pay a contribution fee each time your prescription is dispensed. The Federal Government pays for the remaining cost. The amount of the contribution fee depends upon whether or not you have a pension or concession card. The amount of this fee is set each year by the Federal Government.
Further information about the PBS, your entitlements and details regarding the PBS safety net (which protects patients and their families requiring a large number of PBS items) is available through the Medicare Australia website at: www.medicare.gov.au.