Before using Factive (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.
Factive (gemifloxacin) 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 Factive (gemifloxacin), 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).
Factive (gemifloxacin) 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.
Factive (gemifloxacin) may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or taking part in any activity that requires alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Factive (gemifloxacin) 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 Factive (gemifloxacin) 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. Factive (gemifloxacin) 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, Factive (gemifloxacin) should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether Factive (gemifloxacin) passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Factive (gemifloxacin) 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 Factive (gemifloxacin) unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Take Factive (gemifloxacin) 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. Factive (gemifloxacin) should be taken at least 2 hours before sucralfate. These medications bind with Factive (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 Factive (gemifloxacin) at the same time every day.
Continue to take Factive (gemifloxacin) 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.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
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 Factive (gemifloxacin) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Factive (gemifloxacin) 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.
Factive (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.
Factive (gemifloxacin) 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.
Factive (gemifloxacin) 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 Factive (gemifloxacin) 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 Factive (gemifloxacin) is rare. However, 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.
Click HERE to learn more about Factive side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Factive (gemifloxacin), take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
See also the How to Use section.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Factive (gemifloxacin) should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: strontium, certain drugs that affect the heart rhythm (antiarrhythmics that may cause QT prolongation such as amiodarone, dofetilide, quinidine, procainamide, sotalol).
If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Factive (gemifloxacin).
Other drugs besides Factive (gemifloxacin) and those listed above that may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation in the EKG) include certain macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin), and certain antipsychotic medications (e.g., pimozide, thioridazine, ziprasidone), among others. QT prolongation can infrequently result in serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (e.g., severe dizziness, fainting) that require immediate medical treatment. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details and for instructions on how you may reduce the risk of this effect.
Before using Factive (gemifloxacin), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: live bacterial vaccines (e.g., typhoid, BCG), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, hydrocortisone), drugs for diabetes (e.g., glyburide, insulin), female hormone replacement (e.g., estrogen, ethinyl estradiol), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen), certain "water pills" (potassium-wasting diuretics such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), probenecid, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), urinary alkalinizers (e.g., potassium/sodium citrate).
Also report the use of drugs that might increase seizure risk when combined with Factive (gemifloxacin) such as isoniazid (INH), phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine), theophylline, or tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.