Gablofen
(baclofen)
Works well to control muscle spasticity.
Our bottom line
Gablofen (baclofen) is effective for long term spastic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and others. It is administered intrathecally by a pump connecting to your spine.
- Drug class: Musculoskeletal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (baclofen)
Upsides
- Gablofen (baclofen) is the agent of choice for treatment of muscle spasticity.
- Gablofen (baclofen) has fewer side effects than the oral form, since higher levels can be delivered to the spine at lower doses.
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
What to expect from Gablofen, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Gablofen (baclofen) can cause sleepiness and drowsiness.
- Stopping Gablofen (baclofen) right away can be life-threatening, so a doctor would need to help you stop it.
- Gablofen (baclofen) has to be started in the doctor's office. You or your caregiver need to be trained on how to use the pump.
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
What to expect from Gablofen, on one page
Download Fact SheetGablofen (baclofen) is a gamma-aminobutryic acid (GABA) agonist. It lowers nerve reflex activity in the spinal cord.
- Drug class: Musculoskeletal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (baclofen)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Injection
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.
Pay as low as$29.38Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
$10.00- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$14.20
- CostcoGet free coupon$21.35
What to expect when you take Gablofen (baclofen) for muscle spasticity
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Drowsiness
- Inability to urinate
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Side effect rates for Gablofen (baclofen)
- Loss of muscle tone35%35%
- Drowsiness19%19%
- Headache11%11%
- Convulsion10%10%
- Urinary Retention8%8%
- Dizziness8%8%
- Nausea7%7%
- Increased muscle tone6%6%
- Vomiting4%4%
- Slowed breathing4%4%
- Pain4%4%
- Itchiness4%4%
- Increased salivation3%3%
- Swelling of limbs3%3%
- Back pain2%2%
- Constipaiton2%2%
- Diarrhea2%2%
- Weak muscles2%2%
- Pneumonia2%2%
- Urination control problems2%2%
- Inability to urinate2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Gablofen.
People taking Gablofen felt side effect more
People taking Gablofen felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Gablofen (baclofen)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Stopping Gablofen (baclofen) too quickly
If you've been taking Gablofen (baclofen) for a while, stopping it suddenly can be dangerous. People have had fevers, rebound spasticity, muscle rigidity, and altered mental status. This can be life-threatening. Talk to your doctor about stopping it slowly so this doesn't happen to you.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Gablofen (baclofen)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Gablofen (baclofen) can make you feel very tired or sleepy. Don't drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how it affects you.
- Gablofen (baclofen) can cause sleepiness and drowsiness.