What is this medication?

METHYLENE BLUE (METH uh leen bloo) is used to treat methemoglobinemia. This is a condition in which the blood loses its ability to carry oxygen through the body.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): PROVAYBLUE

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•cyanide poisoning

•glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency

•kidney disease

•an unusual or allergic reaction to methylene blue, phenothiazines, thiazide diuretics, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for injection into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

•bupropion

•certain medicines for depression or anxiety

•clomipramine

•doxepin

•duloxetine

•fluoxetine

•MAOIs like Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

•milnacipran

•mirtazapine

•rasagiline

•selegiline

•St. John's wort

•trazodone

•tryptophan

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•chest pain

•confusion

•dizziness

•headache

•increased sweating

•stomach pain

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•blue-green coloration of urine and stools

•nausea, vomiting

•skin discoloration

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.