Talc Intrapleural

Conditions Treated

Talc is used to prevent malignant pleural effusion (buildup of fluid in the chest cavity in people who have cancer or other serious illnesses) in people who have already had this condition. Talc is in a class of medications called sclerosing agents. It works by irritating the lining of the chest cavity so that the cavity closes and there is no space for fluid.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Talc may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if either of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• pain
• bleeding in the area where the chest tube was inserted

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• fever
• shortness of breath
• coughing up blood
• fast heartbeat
• chest pain or pressure
• dizziness
• fainting

Talc may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems after you receive this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Talc comes as a powder to be mixed with liquid and placed in the chest cavity through a chest tube (plastic tube that is placed in the chest cavity through a cut in the skin), and as an aerosol to be sprayed through a tube into the chest cavity during surgery. Talc is given by a doctor in a hospital. After your doctor places talc in your chest cavity, you may be asked to change positions every 20-30 minutes for several hours to allow the talc to spread through your chest cavity.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before receiving talc, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to talc or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any other medical conditions.