Omacetaxine Mepesuccinate Injection (OMACETAXINE - SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION)

Instructions

This medicine is used by injecting it into the skin. Please ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for the correct places on your body where this medicine can be injected.

Read and make sure you understand the instructions for measuring dose and using syringe. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Check the medicine before each use. If the liquid medicine has any particles in it, appears discolored, or if the vial appears damaged, do not use it.

Keep medicine in refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect from light.

Keep the medicine in its original container.

Take the medicine out of the refrigerator about 15 to 30 minutes before use to warm to room temperature.

Never use any medicine that has expired.

Speak with your nurse or pharmacist about how long the unused, mixed medicine can be stored safely in the refrigerator or at room temperature before it needs to be discarded.

Please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to discard unused medicines safely.

Wash your hands before and after handling this medicine.

Change the location of the injection each time. Choose a location at least 1 inch from the last injection.

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.

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

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.

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 2 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 of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine.

Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Men with a female partner who is of childbearing age must use reliable birth control during sexual activity while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Ask your pharmacist how to properly throw away used needles or syringes.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

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.

• pain in the abdomen
• agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
• decreased appetite
• constipation or diarrhea
• nosebleeds
• hair loss
• headaches
• pain, redness, swelling near injection
• nausea and vomiting
• weakness

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

• back pain
• bleeding or bruising
• confusion
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• fainting
• pain in the joints
• difficulty speaking
• dark, tarry stool
• unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
• blurring or changes of vision

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.