Omacetaxine mepesuccinate injection

What is this medicine?

OMACETAXINE (OH ma se TAX een) is a chemotherapy drug. This medicine is used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection under the skin. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Refer to the Instructions for Use that come with your medication packaging. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

A special MedGuide will be given to you before each treatment. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• bloody or black, tarry stools

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

• fever or chills

• increased hunger or thirst

• increased urination

• low blood counts

• red or dark-brown urine

• red spots on the skin

• severe headaches

• spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds

• unusual bruising or bleeding from the eye, gums, or nose

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• diarrhea

• hair loss

• rash

• stomach pain

• vomiting

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following:

• aspirin

• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin

• NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment. If you give yourself the medicine and you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorder

• diabetes

• having surgery including dental surgery

• an unusual or allergic reaction to omacetaxine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.

Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

You may get drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 6 months after stopping it. Women should inform their healthcare professional if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Men should not father a child while taking this medicine or for 3 months after stopping it. There is a potential for serious effects to an unborn child. Talk to your healthcare professional for more information.

Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for 2 weeks after stopping it.

This medicine may make it more difficult to father a child. You should talk with your doctor or health care professional if you are concerned about your fertility.