What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need regular blood checks.

Do not change brands of this medicine without consulting your doctor or health care professional. Different brands of this medicine can act differently in your body. Check with your pharmacist if your refills do not look like your original product.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy or dizzy, increase confusion and lightheadedness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can cause flu-like symptoms and make you feel generally unwell. If you get a fever or sore throat that do not go away after the first few weeks of treatment, do not treat yourself. Report any of the above side effects, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your doctor or health care professional tells you to stop.
This medicine may decrease your body's ability to fight certain types of infections. This may be more of a concern if you are receiving high doses or other chemotherapy agents. Other signs of infection include lower back or side pain, pain or difficulty passing urine.

This medicine can cause blood problems or increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding. Be careful not to cut, bruise, or injure yourself because you may get an infection and bleed more than usual.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• black, tarry stools
• blood in the urine
• bruising or pinpoint red spots on the skin
• changes in vision
• confusion
• depression
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty sleeping
• difficulty thinking or concentrating
• fainting spells, lightheadedness
• irregular heartbeat, palpitations or chest pain
• nervousness
• numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes
• signs of infection like fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• changes in taste
• cough
• diarrhea
• dry mouth
• hair loss
• headaches
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.