Precautions

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

It is very important that your doctor check your progress closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you or your caregiver notice any of these adverse effects, tell your doctor right away.

Serious infection or meningitis can occur if the catheter of this medicine becomes disconnected. It is very important that you follow your doctor's instructions about the care of the catheter and the use of the infusion pump.

If you or your caregiver notice any signs of meningitis such as confusion, drowsiness, fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, seizures, or stiff neck, call your doctor right away.

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, confused, disoriented, clumsy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or not alert.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that can make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for allergies or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; other prescription pain medicine or narcotics; medicine for seizures or barbiturates; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before you take any of the medicines listed above while you are using this medicine.

Tell your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain or weakness, loss of strength or energy, and with or without a darkened urine. Your doctor may need to reduce the dose of your medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.