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Factive

Generic name: Gemifloxacin
Brand names: Factive

Why is Factive prescribed?

Factive is an antibiotic that is used to treat infections of the respiratory tract, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

Most important fact about Factive

Medications similar to Factive have been known to cause dangerous allergic reactions as soon as you take the first dose. Stop taking the drug and call your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following warning signs while taking Factive:

Abnormal or rapid heartbeat
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Fainting spells
Heart palpitations
Skin rash, hives, or any skin reaction
Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

How should you take Factive?

Factive should be taken once daily at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food. Do not take more than 1 dose per day.

Swallow the tablet whole with plenty of fluids. Do not chew the tablet.

Take your complete prescription exactly as prescribed, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking Factive too soon, the infection may come back.

--If you miss a dose...

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature and protect from light.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Factive.

• More common side effects may include:
  Diarrhea, headache, nausea, rash

Why should Factive not be prescribed?

You cannot take Factive if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it or to other fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including: ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex), gatifloxacin (Tequin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), soarfloxacin (Zagam), trovafloxacin (Trovan tablets), and alatrofloxacin (Trovan intravenous).

Special warnings about Factive

Do not use Factive if you have had a recent heart attack or if you have a history of irregular heartbeat, obstructed blood vessels or arteries, a very slow heartbeat, or a family history of heart rhythm problems.

Use Factive with caution if you have epilepsy or a history of convulsions. Antibiotics such as Factive have infrequently caused serious nervous system problems, including convulsions. These antibiotics have also caused tremors, restlessness, anxiety, lightheadedness, confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, depression, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts. Call your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms.

Do not take Factive if you have low potassium or magnesium levels, since this increases the possibility of having convulsions.

Tell your doctor immediately if you have heart palpitations or fainting spells while taking Factive. These symptoms could signal a rare--but serious--heart problem associated with the drug.

Like all antibiotics, Factive could cause severe inflammation of the bowels. Tell your doctor right away if you develop diarrhea while taking Factive.

Factive may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

Antibiotics such as Factive may cause tendon problems in certain people, especially athletes, those taking steroids, and the elderly. Call your doctor immediately if you feel pain or tenderness in a tendon or rupture any tendons, and be sure to rest and avoid exercise until the injury has been evaluated.

Because Factive increases sensitivity to sunlight, use sunblock when outdoors and avoid sunlamps.

Antibiotics such as Factive have been known to thin the blood. If you take blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), your doctor will monitor you closely.

The safety and effectiveness of Factive have not been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women, or in children less than 18 years old.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Factive

If Factive is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Factive with the following:

Antiarrhythmics (heartbeat-regulating drugs) such as amiodarone (Cordarone), procainamide (Procan), quinidine (Quinidex), and sotalol (Betapace)
Antidepressants such as Elavil
Antipsychotics such as Risperdal
Diuretics ("water pills") such as hydrochlorothiazide or Lasix
Erythromycin
Probenecid
Steroids such as Prednisone

Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any over-the-counter drugs or dietary supplements.

Factive should be taken at least 2 hours before sucralfate (Carafate).

The following medications should not be taken within 3 hours before or 2 hours after taking Factive:

Antacids that contain aluminum and magnesium, such as Maalox
Iron pills (ferrous sulfate)
Multivitamins that contain zinc
Didanosine (Videx)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The safety and effectiveness of Factive in pregnant and breastfeeding women have not been established. The drug should not be used unless the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the baby.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

The recommended dosage is one 320-milligram tablet once a day for 5 days if you have bronchitis and for 7 days if you have pneumonia.

Patients with kidney problems may need a lower dosage.

The safety and effectiveness of Factive have not been evaluated in children less than 18 years old.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.