Talc (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 returning.

You may know that talc is used 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 ensure that this medicine is working properly and to look for any 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 your last dose of this medicine. If you think you might be pregnant while using the medicine, tell your 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 need to consider the risks of taking it against the benefits it may provide. This is a choice you and your doctor will make together. For this medicine, keep the following in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your health care professional know 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. Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Geriatric

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

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies on the risks to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others can be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these cases, your doctor may want to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be required. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken around the time of eating food or certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain 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 the use of this medicine. Be 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. May worsen this condition.

Along with its needed effects, this medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects will occur, but if they do, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse right away if any of the following side effects happen:

More common

• Fever

Less common

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

Some side effects may happen that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may also have ways to help prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, 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 side effects listed above could be caused by having a tube placed in your chest or other procedures done at the time the talc was used, as well as by the talc itself. Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, talk to 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 can 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.