Instructions

This medicine is given as an injection.

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.

If you need to stop this medicine, your doctor may wish to gradually reduce the dosage before stopping.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medicine.

This medicine may affect the strength of your bones. If you have or are at increased risk for osteoporosis (weakening of the bones), your doctor may recommend foods with calcium and vitamin D.

You may need vitamin and mineral supplements while on this medicine. Please speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

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 taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Watch for excessive bruising or bleeding. Contact your doctor if you notice any.

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.

It is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

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.

• agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
• increased appetite
• dizziness
• headaches
• pain, redness, swelling near injection
• stomach upset or abdominal pain
• weight gain

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

• severe or persistent abdominal pain
• bleeding or bruising
• bone pain
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• depression or feeling sad
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• fever or chills
• fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
• high blood pressure
• menstruation changes (missed or fewer periods)
• mood changes
• small red, purple or brown spots on the skin
• thinning of the skin
• sore throat
• severe stomach or bowel pain
• dark, tarry stool
• persistent or unusual thirst
• unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
• increased urinary frequency
• blurring or changes of vision
• sudden or unexplained weight gain
• 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.