Ixabepilone Injection (IXABEPILONE - INJECTION)

Instructions

This is an IV medicine. It is given through a sterile tube directly into the vein by a healthcare provider.

This medicine is given gradually through the IV line.

This medicine should be given over 3 hours.

This medicine should be given by a trained health care provider.

You must be monitored by a health care professional during and after each dose is given.

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.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.

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.

May cause mouth sores. Brush teeth gently. Avoid products containing alcohol. Rinse mouth with a mixture of water and baking soda or salt.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

To avoid a serious skin reaction, avoid heat and hot water. Also avoid pressure on elbows, knees, and feet. For example, avoid tight clothing, kneeling, or long walks.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting, especially after exercising or in hot weather. Be very careful when standing or sitting up quickly.

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.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

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.

Contact your doctor if you develop any signs of a new infection such as 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 7 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 4 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Always carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet indicating your medical condition.

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.

• decreased appetite
• diarrhea
• dizziness or drowsiness
• lack of energy and tiredness
• hair loss
• headaches
• pain, heat, swelling or redness at the incision site
• joint or muscle pain
• nausea and vomiting
• weakness

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

• bleeding or bruising
• chest pain
• confusion
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• dry mouth
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• fainting
• fever or chills
• blue coloring of hands or feet
• numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• pain, redness, swelling or blistering on hands, feet or elbows
• fast or irregular heart beats
• mouth sores or irritation
• pale or blue skin, lips or fingernails
• seizures
• shortness of breath
• sore throat
• bloody or dark, tarry stools
• persistent or unusual thirst
• difficulty or discomfort urinating
• urinating less often
• blurring or changes of vision
• sudden or unexplained change in weight

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.