TALC (Intrapleural-Local)

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.?

• Sclerosol

Category

• Sclerosing agent, intrapleural

Description

Talc is sprayedthrough a tube into the area around the lungs. It is given to people who havebreathing problems caused by a buildup of fluid in this area. Talc is usedafter the fluid has been drained out, to prevent the problem from returning.

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

This medicine is to be given only by your doctor. It is available in thefollowing dosage form:

Intrapleural (into the area around the lungs)-Local
• Aerosol spray (U.S.)

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine,the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do.This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For talc, the followingshould be considered:

Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic reaction to dusting powders, some of which contain talc.

Pregnancy?Talc for use in the area around the lungs has notbeen studied in pregnant women. However, talc has not been shown to causebirth defects or other problems in animal studies.

Children?Studies on use of talc in the area around the lungshave been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific informationcomparing this use of talc with use in other age groups.

Older adults?Many medicines have not been studied specificallyin older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactlythe same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effectsor problems in older people. There is no information comparing this use oftalc in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Proper Use of This Medicine

Dosing?The dose of talc will be different for different patients. The followinginformation includes only the average doses of talc.

• For intrapleural (into the area around the lungs) dosage form (aerosol spray):
  • For preventing fluid from collecting in the area around the lungs:
    • Adults?4 to 8 grams of talc (one or two containers), sprayedinto the area around the lungs through a special tube.
    • Children?Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine maycause 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 as soon as possibleif any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Pain

Rare

Fever; coughing or spitting up blood; shortness of breath or troubled breathing

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