Uses

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.

How to use Capastat SULFATE Vial

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. 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 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.

Side Effects

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.

Warnings

This medication may increase the risk of death. It should only be used when other treatments have not worked. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication, as well as other effective and possibly safer treatments for your infection, with your doctor.

Use capreomycin with extreme caution in people with hearing or kidney problems and in those using other drugs that may cause hearing or kidney problems (see Drug Interactions section).

Other injectable medications used to treat tuberculosis (such as streptomycin) should not be used with capreomycin because they will increase the risk of hearing and kidney problems.

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, 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 breast-feeding.

Interactions

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).

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Overdose

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 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 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.

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.

Missed Dose Missed Dose

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.

Storage Storage

Store unopened vials at room temperature away from light and heat. Once mixed the medication is good for 24 hours if refrigerated. Discard the mixed medication if it is not used within this time. 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.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.