Eflornithine Hydrochloride, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: eflornithine hydrochloride, injection; Ornidyl

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection (shots) to treat Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection (sleeping sickness).

How do I use it?

Treatment consists of IV infusions (slow drip through a needle into a vein) given by your health care provider every 6 hours for 14 days.

What should I watch out for?

Tell your health care provider if you have any liver disease.

Frequent blood tests are necessary before, during, and after the treatment to find out how the medicine is affecting your blood. Keep all your appointments for blood tests.

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.

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): Hearing loss, severe diarrhea, seizures. Other side effects are determined by blood tests.

Other: Vomiting, hair loss, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, headache, facial swelling, dizziness.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

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.