Instructions

This medicine is given gradually through the IV line.

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

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.

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

Keep using this medicine for the full number of days that it is prescribed. Do not stop the medicine even if you start to feel better.

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

Cautions

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

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

This medicine may rarely cause a life-threatening brain infection. Get medical help right away if you have weakness on one side of the body, loss of coordination, vision problems, changes in thinking or memory, confusion, or personality changes.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

This medicine is associated with a rare, but serious problem of the liver. Speak to your doctor about the early signs of liver problems and the benefits and risks of using this medicine.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if any of these happen while the medicine is being given: fever, chills, feeling of heat or flushing, dizziness, fainting, nausea, or shortness of breath. The medicine may need to be stopped or given at a slower rate.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 6 months after stopping treatment.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Call your doctor right away if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising.

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.

• coughing
• joint or muscle pain

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

• loss of balance
• bleeding or bruising
• wheezing or difficulty breathing
• chest pain
• changes in memory, mood, or thinking
• confusion
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• fever or chills
• signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
• sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• muscle weakness
• nausea
• shortness of breath
• sore throat
• difficulty speaking
• blurring or changes of vision
• severe or persistent vomiting
• weakness on one side of the body

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.