Flexbumin should only be given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinical setting. It is not a medicine that can be taken at home or by mouth.

Here is how it is used:

1. The doctor will insert an IV needle into your vein.

    

2. The Flexbumin solution is given slowly through this IV.

    

3. The doctor or nurse will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing during the process.

    

The treatment may take from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on how much medicine you need.

Flexbumin works by increasing the plasma volume in your blood. Plasma is the part of your blood that carries cells and proteins throughout your body. When someone loses a lot of blood or has very low protein levels, the blood cannot hold fluid properly. This can cause swelling in the body or low blood pressure.

Albumin in Flexbumin pulls water into the blood vessels from surrounding body tissues. This helps to restore blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce swelling. It also helps carry hormones, vitamins, and medicines through the blood.

Like all medicines, Flexbumin can cause side effects. However, most people do not experience serious problems. Some common side effects include:

• Fever

   

• Nausea

   

• Headache

   

• Chills

   

• Flushing (red face)

   

More serious side effects are rare but can happen:

• Allergic reaction (rash, itching, difficulty breathing)

   

• Low blood pressure

   

• Fast heart rate

   

• Fluid overload (too much fluid in the blood)

   

• Shortness of breath

   

If you notice any unusual symptoms after receiving Flexbumin, tell your doctor or nurse immediately.

Before using Flexbumin, it is important to inform your doctor about your medical history. Here are some warnings and precautions:

• Allergies: Tell your doctor if you are allergic to albumin or any part of Flexbumin.

   

• Heart Problems: Flexbumin can cause fluid overload, which may be dangerous for people with heart failure.

   

• Kidney Disease: People with kidney problems need to be closely monitored during treatment.

   

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Flexbumin should be used only if clearly needed.

   

• Dehydration: You may need to receive fluids before taking Flexbumin if you are dehydrated.

   

Always follow the doctor’s advice and ask questions if you don’t understand anything.

• Diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) – may cause fluid imbalance when combined.

   

• ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril) – can affect blood pressure control.

   

• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) – may increase fluid retention.

   

• Antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides) – can affect kidney function when fluid balance is disturbed.

   

• Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) – may also affect fluid balance.

   

• IV fluids – need to be carefully balanced to avoid fluid overload.

The usual dose of Flexbumin depends on why it is being given. Here are some general guidelines:

• For blood volume restoration: A typical dose is 25 grams of albumin (100 mL of 25% solution).

   

• For liver problems: Dose varies depending on the amount of fluid in the stomach and the patient’s condition.

   

• In burns or surgery: Doctors may give larger doses over several days.

   

The doctor will monitor the patient and may adjust the dose based on:

• Body weight

   

• Blood pressure

   

• Blood protein levels

   

• Urine output

   

Flexbumin should be used

Flexbumin is a prescription-only medicine, which means you cannot buy it without a doctor’s order. It is not sold over-the-counter and must be given in a medical setting like a hospital.

Only a qualified doctor can decide if you need Flexbumin. The doctor will examine your condition and check your blood test results before deciding to use this medicine.

Also, because Flexbumin is made from human blood plasma, it is stored and handled under special conditions to ensure safety.

• What is Flexbumin used for?
  Flexbumin is used to restore and maintain blood volume in patients experiencing:

  • Hypovolemia (low blood volume due to trauma, burns, or surgery)

  • Shock (from severe bleeding or sepsis)

  • Hypoalbuminemia (low albumin levels from liver disease, kidney disease, or malnutrition)

  • Plasma exchange procedures and cardiopulmonary bypass

• What is the brand name?
  Flexbumin®, manufactured by Baxter Healthcare Corporation.

• What is the active ingredient?
  Human albumin — a natural protein derived from human plasma.

• What type of medication is it?
  A colloid plasma volume expander (intravenous solution).

• How does Flexbumin work?

  • Albumin helps retain fluid in the bloodstream by increasing oncotic pressure.

  • It draws fluid from tissues into blood vessels, improving circulation and stabilizing blood pressure.

• How is Flexbumin administered?

  • Given intravenously (IV) by a healthcare professional.

  • Infused slowly, with dose and rate adjusted according to patient’s condition, age, and fluid balance.

  • Not for direct injection — must be infused using sterile technique.

• What concentrations are available?

  • Flexbumin 5% (50 g/L) — used mainly for volume replacement.

  • Flexbumin 25% (250 g/L) — used to increase oncotic pressure or remove excess fluid (e.g., in liver disease or ascites).

  • Supplied in 50 mL, 100 mL, or 250 mL glass or plastic bottles.

• How long does it take to work?

  • Volume expansion and hemodynamic effects are usually seen within minutes of infusion.

• What are the common side effects?

  • Mild flushing or warmth

  • Nausea

  • Headache

  • Increased heart rate

  • Chills or fever (rare)

• Are there serious side effects?
  Yes, though uncommon:

  • Allergic or anaphylactic reactions (rash, difficulty breathing, hypotension)

  • Fluid overload or pulmonary edema in patients with heart or kidney disease

  • Hypervolemia (too much circulating volume) if infused too quickly

  • Increased blood pressure or shortness of breath

• Who should not receive Flexbumin?

  • Patients with severe anemia or cardiac failure unresponsive to therapy

  • Those allergic to human albumin or any component of the solution

  • Individuals with normal or high blood volume (risk of overload)

• Can it be used in children?
  Yes — under close medical supervision, with weight-based dosing.

• Can it be used during pregnancy?
  Yes, if clearly needed. Human albumin is a natural body protein, and use is generally considered safe when clinically indicated.

• Can it be used while breastfeeding?
  Yes, as albumin is a normal plasma protein; no adverse effects are expected.

• Does Flexbumin interact with other medications?

  • No major drug interactions known.

  • Should not be mixed with protein hydrolysates, amino acids, or alcohol-containing solutions in the same line.

  • Use cautiously with diuretics or antihypertensives due to fluid shifts.

• How should Flexbumin be stored?

  • Store at room temperature (20–25°C / 68–77°F).

  • Do not freeze or use if the solution is turbid or contains particles.

  • Single-use container — discard unused portion.

• Is there a generic available?
  No — Flexbumin is a brand-name product; however, other albumin products (e.g., Albuminar, Albutein) are available.

• Where is it used?

  • Administered in hospitals and clinical settings by trained medical personnel only.