Capastat Sulfate

Generic name: capreomycin [ KAP-ree-oh-MYE-sin ]
Drug class: Streptomyces derivatives

What is Capastat Sulfate?

Capastat Sulfate is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.

Capastat Sulfate is used in combination with other medicines to treat Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Capastat Sulfate is usually given after other tuberculosis medications have been tried without success.

Capastat Sulfate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Capastat Sulfate can harm your kidneys or damage the nerve that controls your hearing. These effects are increased if you already have kidney disease or hearing problems, or when you also use certain other medicines, including injected antibiotics. Before you use this medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and any medicines you are using.

It is not known whether Capastat Sulfate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Capastat Sulfate. This medicine is usually given over long periods (in some cases up to 2 years).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Capastat Sulfate if you are allergic to it.

Capastat Sulfate can harm your kidneys or damage the nerve that controls your hearing.

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

• kidney disease; or

• hearing problems.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Capastat Sulfate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether capreomycin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.

How is Capastat Sulfate given?

Before you start treatment with Capastat Sulfate, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you have the type of tuberculosis that is treatable with Capastat Sulfate.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Capastat Sulfate is injected into a muscle or into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.

Capastat Sulfate must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.

Prepare your dose only when you are ready to give an injection. Do not use Capastat Sulfate if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medication.

Use a disposable needle only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Capastat Sulfate is sometimes given daily and later given 2 or 3 times per week. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Tuberculosis is often treated over a long period of time (12 to 24 months). Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice. Every person with tuberculosis should remain under the care of a doctor.

While using Capastat Sulfate, you may need frequent blood tests. Your kidney function and hearing may also need to be checked.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Capastat Sulfate. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Capastat Sulfate will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of Capastat Sulfate.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include hearing problems, ringing in your ears, dizziness, weak or shallow breathing, and little or no urinating.

What should I avoid while using Capastat Sulfate?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Capastat Sulfate side effects

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

Capastat Sulfate may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• swelling, rapid weight gain, little or no urinating;

• severe dizziness, spinning sensation, ringing or roaring sound in your ears, hearing loss;

• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

• low calcium--numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth, fast or slow heart rate, muscle tightness or contraction, overactive reflexes; or

• low potassium--confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Common side effects of Capastat Sulfate may include:

• pain, swelling, or a hard lump where the injection was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Capastat Sulfate?

Capastat Sulfate can harm your kidneys or damage the nerve that controls your hearing. These effects are increased when you also use certain other medicines. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with this medicine, especially:

• other antibiotics (oral, injected, or inhaled);

• antivirals;

• chemotherapy;

• medicine for bowel disorders;

• medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection; or

• some pain or arthritis medicines (including aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve).

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

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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