Capreomycin, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: capreomycin, injection; Capastat Sulfate

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection (shots), usually with other medicines taken by mouth, to treat tuberculosis.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before using this, tell your health care provider if you have ever had:

• kidney disease
• hearing problems
• an allergic reaction to any medicines, especially antibiotics.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

How should I use it?

These shots are given by your health care provider. Because you may need to take medicine for a long time, your health care provider may have you switch from shots to medicine you can take by mouth.

If your health care provider has prescribed other medicines, follow his or her instructions exactly. Take all your medicines regularly as prescribed, even if you feel better. Take them for as long as your health care provider prescribes.

What should I watch out for?

While you are being treated with this medicine, you will need to have regular lab tests to see how this medicine is affecting you. Keep all your appointments for these tests.

This medicine can affect your hearing. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice ringing in your ears or hearing loss.

Do not take any other medicines unless your health care provider approves.

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Blood in your urine, decreased or increased urination, increased thirst, skin rash or itching, trouble breathing, hearing loss.

Other: Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps or pain, mood changes, ringing in your ears, unusual tiredness or weakness.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), kanamycin (Kantrex), neomycin (Mycifradin), paromomycin (Humatin), streptomycin, and tobramycin (Nebcin)
• cephalothin (Ceftin)
• neuromuscular blocking agents, which are used primarily during surgery.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.