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Treosulfan

Before taking treosulfan

Before taking treosulfan make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If your bone marrow does not function properly.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take treosulfan

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Make sure that you understand which weeks you need to take your capsules.
  • Treosulfan occasionally causes you to feel or be sick. It is important to keep taking this medicine at regular dosage times even if you begin to feel unwell.
  • If you are sick shortly after taking a dose or if you forget to take a dose, check with your doctor. You will be told whether to take the dose again or wait until the next dose is due.
  • Swallow treosulfan capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the capsules as this may cause ulcers to develop in your mouth.
  • It is important that you drink plenty of fluids after taking treosulfan. This will help prevent a serious type of cystitis sometimes caused by this medicine.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • While you are taking treosulfan, do not have any immunisations (vaccinations) without talking to your doctor first. This is because treosulfan lowers your body's resistance to infection and there is a chance that you may get an infection from the vaccine.
  • It is important that you do not become pregnant while you are taking treosulfan. Discuss contraception with your doctor if this could affect you.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can treosulfan cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effectsWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sickEat little and often and stick to simple foods
Loss of hair, skin colourationDiscuss this with your doctor if you are concerned. Your hair will grow back after your treatment stops

Important: treosulfan can lower the number of white cells in your blood which increases the chance of you getting an infection. If possible avoid people with infections such as colds or coughs and check with your doctor if you think you are getting an infection or have a fever (temperature above 38ºC).

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store treosulfan

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 56th Edition (September 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2009DocID: 3617DocRef: dils3190Last Reviewed: 3 Mar 2009Version: 22
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