capreomycin – injection, Capastat

WARNING: Use capreomycin with caution in people with hearing or kidney problems and those using other drugs that may cause hearing or kidney problems (see Drug Interactions). Other injectable medications used to treat tuberculosis (TB) should not be used with capreomycin because they will increase the risk of hearing and kidney problems.

USES: Capreomycin is used with other drugs to treat TB infections. It belongs to a class of antibiotics that prevents the growth of the bacteria causing TB.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a muscle or infused into a vein over 1 hour, usually by a health care professional. It is usually given once a day for 2 to 4 months then reduced to 2 or 3 times a week depending on your condition and response to treatment, or use as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, kidney function, and response to treatment.If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. If you have any questions about using this medication properly, ask your health care professional. Before using this product, check it visually for particles. When mixed, this medication may be nearly colorless or very pale yellow. The color may darken over time, but this does not make this medication less effective. If the liquid has particles or has changed to any other color than pale or dark yellow, do not use it.If you are giving this medication by injection into a muscle, remember to change the injection site with each dose to prevent irritation. Also, inject this medication into a large muscle such as the buttock or thigh to lessen pain from the injection.Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection. It may be necessary to continue treatment for TB for 1 to 2 years. If needed, your doctor may switch you to a drug for the same condition that can be taken by mouth.This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, use this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it on the same day(s) of the week or at the same time each day, depending on your doctor’s instructions. If you are using this medication several times a week, it may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.Do not use more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop using it (or other TB medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of TB bacteria to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects. If TB becomes resistant to this medication, it might also become resistant to other TB medications.Learn how to store and discard needles, medical supplies, and any unused medication safely. Never reuse needles or syringes.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Pain, irritation, or skin hardening at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, ringing in the ears, trouble hearing, dizziness.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: muscle weakness/cramps, irregular heartbeat, easy bleeding/bruising.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using capreomycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, hearing trouble, dehydration, liver disease, certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), Parkinson’s disease.This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at a greater risk for side effects while using this drug.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: drugs that may harm the kidneys or hearing (e.g., amphotericin B, colistin, cidofovir, polymyxin, vancomycin, aminoglycosides such as amikacin/gentamicin/kanamycin/tobramycin), certain anesthetics, live bacterial vaccines.This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

QUESTION

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness, ringing in the ears, loss of ability to hear high sounds, trouble breathing, change in the amount of urine.NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. If your doctor tells you that you are contagious, then you must avoid contact with others to prevent the spread of your TB infection.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., TB cultures, kidney function, hearing tests, liver function, chest X-rays, potassium blood levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.MISSED DOSE: Use each dose as scheduled. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. If you miss more than one dose, contact your health care professional to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.STORAGE: Store unopened vials at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and heat. Once mixed, the medication is good for 24 hours if refrigerated between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Discard the mixed medication if it is not used within this time. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details on how to safely discard your product. Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.