Proper Use of this medication

While using NEPTAZANE, you may need frequent blood tests.

NEPTAZANE may be only part of a complete treatment program that may also include other medications. Follow your doctor’s instructions very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• blood in urine or stools;
• a seizure (convulsions);
• loss of movement in any part of your body;
• a blood cell disorder–sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, pale skin, feeling tired or short of breath, rapid heart rate, nosebleeds, bleeding gums;
• liver problems–nausea, upper stomach pain or swelling, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• signs of metabolic acidosis–confusion, vomiting, lack of energy, irregular heartbeats;
• signs of a kidney stone–pain in your side or lower back, blood in your urine, painful or difficult urination; or
• severe skin reaction–fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea;
• numbness or tingling, especially in your arms and legs;
• drowsiness, confusion;
• hearing problems, ringing in your ears;
• increased urination; or
• altered sense of taste.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Warnings and Precautions

You should not use this medicine if you have cirrhosis, severe liver or kidney disease, an electrolyte imbalance, adrenal gland failure, or an allergy to NEPTAZANE or sulfa drugs.

You should not use NEPTAZANE if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe liver disease, or cirrhosis;
• severe kidney disease;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as acidosis or low levels of potassium or sodium in your blood);
• adrenal gland failure; or
• an allergy to sulfa drugs.

To make sure NEPTAZANE is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• severe breathing problems;
• angle closure glaucoma; or
• if you also take aspirin in high doses.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether NEPTAZANE passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

NEPTAZANE is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Interactions with this medication

This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. NEPTAZANE can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• steroid medicine (prednisone, dexamethasone, and others).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with NEPTAZANE, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.