Fomepizole

Fomepizole is an antidote for some types of poison.

Fomepizole is used to treat poisoning from ethylene glycol (antifreeze) or methanol (found in solvents, fuels, and various household or automotive chemicals). Fomepizole can sometimes be used along with hemodialysis to help remove the poison from the body.

Fomepizole may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

In a poisoning situation, you may not be able to inform your caregivers about your health conditions. Ensure that any doctor treating you afterward is aware that you have received fomepizole.

If possible before you receive fomepizole, tell your doctor if you have:

• an allergy to any drug;
• kidney disease or if you are unable to urinate; or
• if you recently drank alcohol.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether fomepizole will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether fomepizole passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you are treated with fomepizole to tell your caregivers if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you have received this medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregiver right away if you have:

• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness.
• severe nausea, severe dizziness or spinning sensation; or
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Common side effects of fomepizole may include:

• headache;
• dizziness, drowsiness;
• nausea; or
• unpleasant or metallic taste in your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Fomepizole is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

You may be given other medicines and IV fluids as part of your treatment.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving fomepizole. Your blood and urine will also need to be tested often during treatment, and your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).

You will also be watched for any effects of the poisoning, such as problems with vision, breathing, or urination.

Because you will get fomepizole in a clinical setting, you are not likely to skip a dose.

Since fomepizole is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Other drugs may interact with fomepizole, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform each of your health care providers about all medicines you are currently using and any medicine you begin or stop using.