In the U.S.—

• Sclerosing agent, intrapleural

Talc is sprayed through a tube into the area around the lungs. It is given to people who have breathing problems caused by a buildup of fluid in this area. Talc is used after 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 is a 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 the following dosage form:

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

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 following should be considered:

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

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

Children—Studies on use of talc in the area around the lungs have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing this use of talc with use in other age groups.

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

Dosing—

The dose of talc will be different for different patients. The following information 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), sprayed into the area around the lungs through a special tube.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause 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 possible if 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 above side effects could be caused by having a tube placed in your chest or other procedures that were done at the time the talc was used, as well as by the talc. Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.