See also Warning section.
This medication is used with other drugs to treat
tuberculosis (TB) infections. Capreomycin belongs to a class of drugs known
as antibiotics. It is believed to work by preventing the growth of the
bacteria that causes TB.
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 given as directed by your doctor, usually once a day for 2 to 4 months
then reduced to 2 or 3 times a week. The dosage is based on your medical
condition and response to treatment.
If you are using this medication at home, learn all
preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional.
Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either
is present, do not use the liquid.
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 this same condition that can be taken
by mouth.
For the best effect, use this antibiotic at evenly
spaced times. 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 lasts or gets
worse.
Pain, irritation, or skin hardening at the injection
site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor
or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that 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 right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
- ringing in the ears
- trouble hearing
- dizziness
- muscle weakness/cramps
- irregular heartbeat
- easy bleeding/bruising
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away 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.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
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
- a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis)
- Parkinson's disease
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Capreomycin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as
typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that
you are using capreomycin before having any
immunizations/vaccinations.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be at 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 unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- drugs that may harm either the kidneys or hearing (including
amphotericin B, colistin, cidofovir, polymyxin, aminoglycosides such as
amikacin/gentamicin/kanamycin/tobramycin)
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. 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.
If your doctor tells you that you are contagious, then
you must avoid contact with others to prevent the spread of your TB
infection.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as TB cultures,
kidney/liver function, hearing tests, chest X-rays, potassium blood levels)
should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and
lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
It is important to get 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. Use your next dose at the regular time. If
you miss more than one dose, ask your health care professional right away
for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store unopened vials at room temperature away from light
and heat. Store the mixed medication in the refrigerator for up to 24
hours. Keep all medications 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.