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What should I discuss with my health care provider before using benzathine penicillin and procaine penicillin (Bicillin C-R, Bicillin C-R 900/300)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to penicillin. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a cephalosporin antibiotic such as Ceclor, Ceftin, Duricef, Keflex, Lorabid, Omnicef, Spectracef, and others.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests:

• asthma or a history of allergies;
• liver disease;
• kidney disease; or
• heart disease.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Benzathine penicillin and procaine penicillin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is benzathine penicillin and procaine penicillin given (Bicillin C-R, Bicillin C-R 900/300)?

Benzathine penicillin and procaine penicillin is injected into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Benzathine penicillin and procaine penicillin must be injected slowly into a muscle of the buttock or upper thigh.

Benzathine penicillin and procaine penicillin is sometimes given only once or only for a few days until your symptoms clear up. Be sure to have all injections your doctor has prescribed. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely cleared.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Benzathine penicillin and procaine penicillin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Use a disposable needle only once. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

After you have finished your treatment with benzathine penicillin and procaine penicillin, your doctor may want to do tests to make sure your infection has completely cleared up.

Store this medication in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Do not use the mixed medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it.

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