Insoluble Prussian Blue capsules

What is this medication?

INSOLUBLE PRUSSIAN BLUE (in SOL yuh buhl PRUHSH uhn bloo) is used to remove certain radioactive materials from the body after a radiation exposure. It will speed up the removal of cesium and thallium from the body, but it may not prevent all the problems associated with radiation exposure.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Radiogardase

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

•an unusual or allergic reaction to Insoluble Prussian Blue, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medicine with food. If you cannot swallow the capsules, they may be opened and the contents mixed with bland food or liquid. This may cause blue discoloration of the mouth and teeth. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

•tetracycline

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

This medicine should be given only under the supervision of a physician after assessing your medical condition. It is only effective to treat contamination with radioactive cesium or thallium. This drug does not help eliminate other forms of radiation from the body.

You will have regular check-ups to determine the level of radiation in your body. The amount of radiation in your body will determine how long you have to take this medicine.

You will be given instructions to reduce the chance of exposing others to radiation. For example, some radiation gets into the urine and stool. A toilet should be used instead of a urinal, and it should be flushed several times after each use. Spilled urine or stool should be cleaned up completely. Wash your hands thoroughly and often. If body fluids soil clothing, wash the clothes separately.

DO NOT take Prussian blue artist's dye in an attempt to treat yourself. This dye is not designed to treat radioactive contamination and unlike medication, is not germ-free.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

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

•fast, irregular heart beat

•muscle pain or weakness, cramps

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

•blue colored stools

•constipation

•upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep the capsules in the original container, in a dark place. Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.