Eflornithine Tablets

What is this medication?

EFLORNITHINE (ee FLOR ni theen) treats neuroblastoma, a cancer that occurs in nerve cells. It works by slowing down the growth of cancer cells.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Iwilfin

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

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

• Hearing loss or problems
• An unusual or allergic reaction to eflornithine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• If you or your partner are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can chew it completely before swallowing or swallow the tablets whole. You may also crush the tablet and mix it with 2 tablespoons of soft food or liquid. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Your care team may change your dose or tell you to stop taking this medication if you get side effects. Do not change your dose or stop taking it unless your care team tells you to.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children 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 unless it is more than 5 hours late. If it is more than 5 hours late, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at the normal time.

If you vomit after taking your dose, do not take another dose. Take your next dose at your usual scheduled time.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions have not been studied.

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 need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

Your hearing may be tested before and during the use of this medication. Tell your care team right away if you have any change in your hearing.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

Talk to your care team if you or your partner may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 1 week after the last dose. You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 1 week after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.

If your partner can get pregnant, use a condom during sex while taking this medication and for 1 week after the last dose.

Do not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 1 week after the last dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• Hearing loss
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

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

• Cough
• Eye redness
• Runny or stuffy nose

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 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). 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, take 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.