Information About Amicar

Common uses
Amicar is an antihemorrhagic used to treat certain bleeding problems associated with surgery, blood disorders, and liver disease. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.

Prior to Use
Be aware that pre-existing medical conditions, or taking additional medications could interfere with the effectiveness of this one. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. Do not use Amicar if you are also using Factor IX Complex concentrates or Anti-Inhibitor Coagulant concentrates. Do not start or stop any medicine without physician or pharmacist approval. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions, including kidney problems, liver problems, certain blood disorders (such as hemophilia or uremia), heart problems, history of seizures, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. You should not take Amicar if you have certain blood clotting problems (active intravascular clotting), undiagnosed bleeding disorder, or certain causes of blood in the urine (upper urinary tract bleeding). If you have questions or concerns about Amicar, be sure to let your physician or pharmacist know.

Instructions for Use
Follow the directions for taking Amicar provided by your physician. Store Amicar at room temperature from 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Do not freeze. Make sure that you do not skip a dose of Amicar. Should you skip or forget a dose of Amicar, contact your physician immediately.

Warnings
Do not use Amicar if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Do not exceed the recommended dose or take Amicar for longer than prescribed without checking with your physician. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including creatine phosphokinase levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Keep all physician and laboratory appointments while you are using Amicar. Amicar may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Amicar. Using Amicar alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. If you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your physician immediately. Do not use any more of Amicar unless your physician tells you to do so. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, consult your pharmacist or physician . Women, if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Amicar during pregnancy. The effects of Amicar on breast milk is not known. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Amicar, consult your pharmacist or physician to discuss the risks to your baby.

Potential Side Effects
Side effects you may experience while using Amicar include nausea; stomach pain; diarrhea; dizziness; fatigue or tiredness; confusion; ringing in the ears; watery eyes; decreased vision; stuffy nose; or headache. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Consult your physician immediately if you experience swelling of ankles, feet, or hands; sore throat or fever; or unusual bleeding or bruising. Contact your physician immediately if you experience muscle pain or weakness; sudden change in the amount of urine you are producing; or seizures. An allergic reaction to Amicar is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.

In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed. Indications of an overdose are severe or unusual weakness, fatigue, or dizziness; fainting; sudden change in amount of urine you produce; and seizures.

Additional information
Do not let anyone else use Amicar. Do not take Amicar to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children. If you will be using Amicar for an extended period of time, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out.