What should I watch for?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.
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 may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.
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
Black, tarry stools
chills
confusion
delusions
loss of bladder control
painful or difficult urination
purple or red spots on the skin
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
shortness of breath
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
swollen glands
trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common
Agitation, aggression, or other mood or mental changes
bladder pain
bloody or cloudy urine
bone pain
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
clumsiness or unsteadiness
frequent urge to urinate
loss of appetite
lower back or side pain
skin rash
swelling or puffiness of the face
trouble with breathing
unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
Rare
Continuing headache
continuing stomach pain
continuing vomiting
dark-colored urine
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
light-colored stools
muscle cramps
nosebleeds or other unusual bruising or bleeding
sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
swollen or painful glands
tightness in the chest
yellow eyes or skin
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:
More common
Acid or sour stomach
bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
belching
body aches or pain
change in taste
change in walking and balance
constricted, pinpoint, or small pupils (black part of the eye)
crying
depersonalization
difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
difficulty with sleeping
dizziness
double vision
dysphoria
ear congestion
euphoria
headache
hiccup
indigestion
loss of appetite
loss of voice
paranoia
quick to react or overreact emotionally
rapidly changing moods
seeing double
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
trouble sleeping
unable to sleep
Less common
Blemishes on the skin
blurred vision
decreased awareness or responsiveness
decreased weight
difficulty with moving
hoarseness
joint pain
muscle aching or cramping
muscle pains or stiffness
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
redness or swelling in the ear
severe sleepiness
swollen joints
tender, swollen glands in the neck
trouble with swallowing
voice changes
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.