Pentoxifylline extended-release tablets

What is this medication?

PENTOXIFYLLINE (pen tox I fi leen) improves blood flow. This medicine helps to decrease the pain, discomfort, or cramps you can get from having poor circulation in your legs.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pentopak, Pentoxil, Trental

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

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

• Kidney or liver disease
• Previous bleeding in the head or retina
• An unusual or allergic reaction to pentoxifylline, caffeine, theophylline, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the capsules whole.

Take it with food.

Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

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?

• Medications for blood pressure
• Theophylline
• Warfarin

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?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. You may feel some benefit after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment, but it can take up to 8 weeks before you get the full benefit.

Talk to your care team if you use tobacco or marijuana products. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed. Tobacco and marijuana use can make your condition worse by further narrowing the blood vessels.

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:

• agitation
• chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat
• flushing
• seizures

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

• dizziness or drowsiness
• headache
• indigestion
• nausea, vomiting

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 and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed.

Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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.