Instructions

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

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

You must be monitored by a healthcare professional for at least 1 hour after each dose is given.

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.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

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

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

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.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if throat swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or feeling faint develop while the medicine is being given. 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.

Meningitis vaccine should be given at least two weeks before starting this medicine. Talk with your doctor about this and other vaccines that may be needed.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 8 months after stopping treatment.

Always carry the patient safety card with you during treatment with this medicine and for 8 months after your last dose.

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.

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headaches
• joint or muscle pain
• nausea

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

• back pain
• bone pain
• confusion
• cough that does not go away
• drowsiness or sedation
• fainting
• fever or chills
• numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• severe or persistent headache
• neck pain or stiffness
• sensitivity to light
• shakiness
• shortness of breath
• stomach upset or abdominal pain
• changes in taste or unpleasant taste
• unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness

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.