Instructions

This medicine is given gradually through the IV line.

The liquid should be clear or light yellow.

Check the medicine before each use. If the liquid medicine has any particles in it, appears discolored, or if the vial appears damaged, do not use it.

Do not shake the medicine before using.

Speak with your nurse or pharmacist about how long the medicine can be stored safely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before it needs to be discarded.

Never use any medicine that has expired.

Please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to discard unused medicines safely.

This medicine should be given by a trained health care provider.

Wash your hands before and after handling this medicine.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Your doctor should check you for tuberculosis (TB) before you start this medicine and while you are using it. Tell your doctor if you are being treated for TB or any other infection.

Some patients on this medicine have developed severe, life-threatening infections. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

This medicine may increase the risk of cancer. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if fever, chills, flushing, headache, or shortness of breath develop while the medicine is being given. The medicine may need to be stopped or given at a slower rate.

Contact your doctor if you develop any signs of a new infection such as fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Wash your hands often and avoid close contact with people with infections such as colds and flu.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• headaches
• nausea
• stomach pain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• bleeding or bruising
• chest or jaw pain
• confusion
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• feeling of heat or flushing
• fever or chills
• numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• pain, redness, swelling or blistering on hands, feet or elbows
• fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• muscle weakness
• joint or muscle pain
• pain near injection site
• butterfly-shaped rash on nose and cheeks
• seizures
• shortness of breath
• excessive or unusual sweating
• blurring or changes of vision
• sudden or unexplained weight gain

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.