Steritalc (Intrapleural)

Talc is sprayed through a tube into the chest area around the lungs. It is given to people who have breathing problems caused by a buildup of fluid or air in this area. Talc is used after the fluid has been drained out, to prevent the problem from coming back.

You may know talc as an ingredient in dusting powders (talcum powder). The talc used for preventing fluid buildup in the lungs is a special grade of talc that has been sterilized (made germ-free).

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

It is very important that your doctor checks you closely to make sure this medicine is working properly and to watch for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to prevent getting pregnant during treatment and for at least 5 months after the last dose of this medicine. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell the doctor right away.

This medicine could cause infertility (unable to have children). Talk with your doctor before receiving this medicine if you plan to have children.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to think about the risks of the medicine compared to the benefits it can provide. Here are some important things to consider for this medicine:

Allergies

Let your doctor know if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, inform your healthcare professional about any other allergies you have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been done on how talc powder affects children. Its safety and effectiveness have not been established for this age group.

Geriatric

There is no information available on how talc powder affects older adults.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication while breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while others may be used together with some precautions. In these cases, your doctor may want to adjust the dose, or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken around the time of eating certain foods due to possible interactions. Drinking alcohol or using tobacco with some medicines may also cause interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may affect how this medicine works for you. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Other lung disease or breathing problems (e.g., pneumonitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome)—Use with caution. This may worsen your condition.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Fever

Less common

• Chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
• Chills
• Coughing or spitting up blood
• Cough with thick mucous
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• General feeling of discomfort or illness
• Shortness of breath or troubled breathing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Bleeding, swelling, warmth, or pain on your skin where the spray tube was inserted

Some of the above side effects could be caused by having a tube placed in your chest or other procedures that were done at the time the talc was used, as well as by the talc. Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Sclerosol Intrapleural
• Steritalc

Available Dosage Forms:

• Spray
• Powder

Therapeutic Class: Sclerosing Agent

A doctor will give you this medicine during a medical procedure, such as a thoracoscopy. This medicine is injected through a tube into your chest and around the lungs.