Instructions

This medicine is given as an IV injection into a vein.

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

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.

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

This medicine may cause higher blood sugar levels or diabetes. Please follow your doctor's instructions and check your blood sugar level regularly while on this medicine.

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.

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

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 5 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 using this medicine and for 5 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

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.

• decreased appetite
• constipation
• dizziness
• lack of energy and tiredness
• feeling of heat or flushing
• nausea

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

• chest pain
• changes in memory, mood, or thinking
• cough that does not go away
• severe, watery or bloody diarrhea
• eye pain or redness
• swelling in the neck or throat
• numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• severe or persistent headache
• fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
• signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• neck pain or stiffness
• shortness of breath
• blood in stool
• persistent or unusual thirst
• increased urinary frequency
• blurring or changes of vision
• sudden or unexplained change in weight

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.