Vaniqa (Eflornithine) injection: Patient Education
What is eflornithine injection?
EFLORNITHINE (Ornidyl®) is used for infections such as African sleeping sickness, which is caused by bites from the tsetse fly. It also used for other types of infections, such as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), which may occur in HIV-infected (AIDS) patients. Generic eflornithine injection is not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive eflornithine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- any type of blood disease, such as anemia
- hearing problems
- HIV infection or AIDS
- kidney disease
- seizures
- an unusual or allergic reaction to eflornithine, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Eflornithine injection is for infusion into a vein. Eflornithine is usually given in the hospital for severe infections. If you are to receive eflornithine at home, your health care provider will provide you with additional information regarding how you will receive this medication.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply. Your health care provider will give this medication to you, either in the hospital or at home.
What drug(s) may interact with eflornithine?
- interferon alfa
- live vaccines
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from receiving eflornithine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
More common:
- fever
- hearing loss
- pain at the injection site
- seizures
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- diarrhea
- hair loss
- loss of appetite
- nausea or vomiting
- stomach pain
- swelling of your face
What should I watch for while taking eflornithine?
Your prescriber will make regular checks on your treatment. Be sure to visit your health care provider for check-ups if you are asked to do so. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you do not feel better in a few weeks, or if your symptoms get worse. During your treatment your health care provider will monitor your blood and other tests to follow your progress.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Eflornithine is usually given in a hospital or clinic setting. You may be given eflornithine to take home to complete your treatment; ask your health care provider how you should store your medicine. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
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