What should I watch for?
Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and when you should contact him or her.
You may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy or increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Common and Rare Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Body aches or pain
congestion
dryness or soreness of the throat
hoarseness
tender or swollen glands in the neck
trouble swallowing
voice changes
Less common
Chest pain or discomfort
chills
difficult or labored breathing
feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded
feeling of warmth or heat
flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck
general feeling of discomfort or illness
headache
joint pain
loss of appetite
muscle aches and pains
shivering
slow or irregular heartbeat
sweating
swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs
tightness in the chest
trouble sleeping
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
Incidence not known
Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
no heartbeat
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
red, irritated eyes
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Acid or sour stomach
belching
continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
degenerative disease of the joint
difficulty with moving
hearing loss
indigestion
lack or loss of strength
muscle aching or cramping
muscle pains or stiffness
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
rash
stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
swollen joints
Incidence not known
Hair loss or thinning of the hair
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
