Dosage forms:

• Enteric coated capsules 120 mg , 240 mg

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take the Tecra?

• If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
• This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take the Tecra?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• Herpes zoster (shingles) and other severe infections have happened with this drug. Sometimes, these infections have affected the brain, nerves, and other areas of the body. Talk with your doctor about what signs to watch for.
• Talk with your doctor before getting any vaccines. Use of some vaccines with this drug may raise the chance of an infection.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

• WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• A very bad brain problem called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has happened with this drug. It may cause disability or can be deadly. Tell your doctor right away if you have signs like confusion, memory problems, low mood (depression), change in the way you act, change in strength on 1 side is greater than the other, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, or change in eyesight.
• Low white blood cell counts have rarely happened with this drug. This may lead to a higher chance of getting an infection. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a low white blood cell count. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection like fever, chills, or sore throat.
• Liver problems have happened. Call your doctor right away if you get signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.

What are some other side effects of Tecra?

• All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
• Flushing.
• Stomach pain or diarrhea.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
• You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best taken?

• Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
• Take with or without food.
• Swallow whole. Do not chew, open, or crush.
• This drug may cause flushing. Taking this drug with food or taking aspirin 30 minutes before this drug may lower how often flushing happens. Aspirin may also lower how bad flushing is when it happens. Talk with your doctor to see if you can take aspirin while you are taking this drug.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out Tecra?

• Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Store in original container.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.