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.

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

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.

May cause mouth sores. Brush teeth gently. Avoid products containing alcohol. Rinse mouth with a mixture of water and baking soda or salt.

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.

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.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if chest pain, severe dizziness, skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, feeling of heat or flushing, or swelling of the face or throat develop while the medicine is being given. The medicine may need to be stopped or given at a slower rate.

Contact your doctor if you notice a change in the amount or darkening of your urine.

Call the doctor if there are any signs of confusion or unusual changes in behavior.

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.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 3 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 who are pregnant or in their childbearing years should not touch or handle this medicine. This medicine can be absorbed through the woman's skin and harm the unborn baby.

Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 3 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.

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
• diarrhea
• headaches
• high blood sugar
• nausea and vomiting
• stomach upset or abdominal pain
• changes in taste or unpleasant taste
• weakness

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

• severe or persistent abdominal pain
• increased appetite
• bleeding or bruising
• rapid breathing
• changes in memory, mood, or thinking
• difficulty concentrating
• confusion
• cough that does not go away
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• eye pain or redness
• fever or chills
• severe or persistent headache
• fast or irregular heart beats
• pain, redness, swelling near injection
• signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
• menstruation changes (missed or fewer periods)
• mouth sores or irritation
• muscle aches, spasms or abnormal movements
• red, burning, or itchy skin
• seizures
• shortness of breath
• slurred speech
• bloody or dark, tarry stools
• excessive thirst
• unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
• increased urinary frequency
• urinating less often
• foamy urine
• excessive vaginal bleeding
• slow wound healing

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.