Instructions

You may remove the bandage after 24 hours. Do not remove any surgical strips. They will fall off on their own in a few days.

This medicine is normally placed under the skin of the upper arm, usually in the arm you do not write with.

The rod must be removed after 1 year.

Keep your arm clean and dry for 24 hours after the insertion. Do not bathe or swim for 24 hours.

Avoid lifting heavy things, exercising, or bumping the incision site for 7 days after the insertion.

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.

If the rod comes through the skin, call your doctor right away.

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

Cautions

This medicine is associated with an increased risk for seizures. Please ask your doctor whether you may be at risk for having a seizure while on this medicine.

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

Check regularly to make sure you can feel the rod under the skin. Contact your doctor right away if you can not feel it, or if it feels bent or broken.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

Seek medical attention if you see any signs of a serious infection. These signs include pain, increasing redness or pus where this medicine is being used.

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.

• breast lumps
• breast pain or swelling
• pain during sexual intercourse
• cramping of the uterus or bleeding from the vagina

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

• agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
• depression or feeling sad
• fainting
• fast or irregular heart beats
• irritability
• restlessness
• mood changes
• seizures
• pain, heat, swelling or redness at the incision site

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.