Instructions

Keep the bandage in place for a few days until the incision site heals.

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

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 an increased risk of serious heart problems, heart attack, and stroke. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing.

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 your doctor if you have severe or persistent sweating, diarrhea or vomiting. These can increase your risk of a serious side effect.

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.

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 pain or swelling
• constipation
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• lack of energy and tiredness
• feeling of heat or flushing
• headaches
• sweating at night
• weight gain

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

• bone pain
• chest or jaw pain
• confusion
• depression or feeling sad
• dizziness
• fainting
• numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• severe or persistent headache
• fast or irregular heart beats
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• mood changes
• seizures
• shortness of breath
• symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
• sweating
• persistent or unusual thirst
• difficulty or discomfort urinating
• increased urinary frequency
• blurring or changes of vision
• severe or persistent vomiting
• 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.