Ofirmev™ (
intravenous acetaminophen) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of pain and fever. It is the first and only intravenous (IV) form of
acetaminophen approved for use in the United States.
Who Makes This Medication?
Ofirmev is made by Cadence Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Even though acetaminophen has been around for quite a while, it is not fully understood exactly how it works. It is known that acetaminophen works differently than other non-narcotic pain medications.
Most other non-narcotic pain relievers or fever reducers are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (
NSAIDs). Both NSAIDs and acetaminophen block the body's production of prostaglandins, which are naturally occurring chemicals that cause inflammation and fever.
However, while NSAIDs block prostaglandin production throughout the entire body, acetaminophen appears to do so just within the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).
Acetaminophen may also work by blocking pain signals from nerves or preventing such signals from forming.
When and How to Receive It
Some general considerations include the following:
- This medication is administered by IV every four to six hours.
- Ofirmev may be given along with narcotic pain relievers.
- Each dose should be given by IV drip over a period of about 15 minutes.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be administered as prescribed.
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