Product Details: Factive (Gemifloxacin)

DUE TO THE SHIPPING TIME REQUIRED THIS PRODUCT SHOULD ONLY BE ORDERED FOR FUTURE USE.

Generic Options - Manufacturer: Generic

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This drug is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

Directions

Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. The dosage and length of treatment is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this drug unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Take this medication at least 2 hours before or 3 hours after taking any drugs that contain magnesium or aluminum. Some examples include quinapril, certain forms of didanosine (chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), vitamins/minerals, and antacids. Follow the same instructions if you take bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc. Gemifloxacin should be taken at least 2 hours before sucralfate. These medications bind with gemifloxacin and prevent its full absorption. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. It is important not to miss a dose. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time every day. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Cautions

Before using gemifloxacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin); or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: history of a certain abnormal heart rhythm (long QT interval or QT prolongation), untreated low level of potassium or magnesium in the blood. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, family history of a certain abnormal heart rhythm (long QT interval or QT prolongation), heart problems (e.g., slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, heart failure, chest pain, recent heart attack), joint/tendon problems (e.g., tendonitis, bursitis), kidney disease, nervous system disorder (e.g., peripheral neuropathy), seizure disorder, conditions that increase your risk of seizures (e.g., brain/head injury, brain tumors, cerebral atherosclerosis). This medication may rarely cause serious changes in blood sugar levels, especially if you have diabetes. Watch for symptoms of high blood sugar including increased thirst and urination. Also watch for symptoms of low blood sugar such as nervousness, shakiness, fast heartbeat, sweating, or hunger. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor and report any changes. If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar, you may raise your blood sugar by using glucose tablets/gel or eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor immediately about the reaction and the use of this product. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals. This drug may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or taking part in any activity that requires alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to its possible side effects (e.g., joint/tendon problems). Discuss the risks and benefits with the doctor. Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, older adults may be more sensitive to its side effects such as tendon problems (especially if they are also taking corticosteroids such as prednisone or hydrocortisone) or heart problems. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Side Effects

Nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, depression, rare thoughts of suicide), shaking (tremors), skin that sunburns more easily (sun sensitivity). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: unusual bruising/bleeding, severe/persistent headache, signs of a new infection (e.g., new/persistent fever, persistent sore throat), unusual change in the amount of urine, signs of liver problems (e.g., unusual tiredness, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine). Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, seizures. Gemifloxacin may rarely cause serious nerve problems that may be reversible if identified and treated early. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms: pain/numbness/burning/tingling/weakness in any part of the body, changes in how you sense touch/pain/temperature/body position/vibration. This medication may rarely cause tendon damage (e.g., tendonitis, tendon rupture) during or after treatment. Stop exercising, rest, and seek immediate medical attention if you develop joint/muscle/tendon pain or swelling. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a type of resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have any of the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely. The risk of developing a rash during gemifloxacin treatment is greater in people under age 40, in women, and also in women taking female hormone replacement medication (e.g., estrogens). This risk also increases when gemifloxacin is taken for more than 7 days. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: new fever, rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Gemifloxacin