TAGAMET

Drug Name: TAGAMET

TAGAMET DESCRIPTION:
CIMETIDINE - INJECTION (sye-MET-uh-deen)

COMMON TAGAMET BRAND NAME(S):
Tagamet

TAGAMET SIDE EFFECTS:
Headache, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, sleepiness, dry skin or dry mouth may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Hair loss, increased sweating, anxiety, change in sex drive, breast enlargement in males and change in taste perceptions, and irritation at the injection site may also occur. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop a skin rash, hives, a change in heartbeat, jaundice, diarrhea, mental confusion, depression, difficulty walking, vision changes, trouble urinating, joint or muscle pain, ringing in the ears or breathing difficulty while taking TAGAMET. Notify your doctor immediately if you notice black, tarry stools or "coffee ground" vomit which may suggest bleeding. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE TAGAMET:
TAGAMET: TAGAMET is given by injection into a muscle or infused into a vein in persons unable to take oral medication. Use this as directed. Do not increase your dose, use this more often than prescribed or stop using this without first consulting your doctor.

TAGAMET USES:
TAGAMET blocks secretion of acid from the stomach. It is used to treat and prevent ulcers, to treat gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), and to treat conditions associated with excessive acid secretion.

TAGAMET PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing liver disease, kidney disease or any allergies. Do not change your dose without your doctor's approval. Elderly persons may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication. TAGAMET should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of TAGAMET are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

TAGAMET DRUG INTERACTIONS:
TAGAMET can affect how your body responds to other medications. It is important to tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including antacids, alcohol, heart medication, blood thinners, medication for anxiety, blood pressure, seizures, diabetes, narcotic pain medicine, drugs for depression, ketoconazole, itraconazole and theophylline. Cigarette smoking can affect TAGAMET. Tell your doctor if you smoke and if you stop or start smoking while using this medication. TAGAMET is available in both prescription and over-the-counter formulations. Do not use both at the same time. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

TAGAMET OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, tremors, vomiting, restlessness, weakness, fatigue, or dizziness.

TAGAMET NOTES:
For best results, TAGAMET is often used along with lifestyle changes such as stress-reduction programs, exercise and dietary changes. Talk to your health care professional about changes that you can benefit from. Laboratory tests may be done periodically while using TAGAMET to monitor results and prevent side effects.

MISSED TAGAMET DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

TAGAMET STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light as directed. Do not store in the bathroom. An expiration date will be noted on the injection. Properly discard of any unused medication after this date.