Instructions

If you have trouble swallowing this medicine, please ask your pharmacist if a liquid is available.

Keep the medicine in its original container.

Swallow with a full glass (8 oz) of water unless your doctor gives you different instructions.

You may take with food to prevent stomach upset.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Do not take any medicine containing calcium, magnesium, aluminum, bismuth, zinc or iron (such as antacids, vitamins, quinapril, didanosine, sucralfate) for 4 hours before or 4 hours after this medicine.

Do not take antacids within 4 hours before or after this medicine.

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

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

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.

This medicine may cause the urine to turn a reddish-brown color. This is harmless and will go away once the medicine is stopped.

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

Do not take the medicine more than three times during 24 hours.

Cautions

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

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.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

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.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 2 weeks 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 of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine.

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

Men with a female partner who is of childbearing age must use a condom and a second form of birth control during sexual activity while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

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.

• pain in the joints
• nausea and vomiting
• stomach upset or abdominal pain

If you have any of the following side effects, you may be getting too much medicine. Please contact your doctor to let them know about these side effects.

• slowed or unusual movements
• muscle weakness
• blurring or changes of vision

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

• fever or chills
• sore throat

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.