gemifloxacin-oral (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking gemifloxacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other quinolones such as ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, or moxifloxacin; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: brain or nervous system disorders (e.g., cerebral arteriosclerosis, tumors, increased intracranial pressure), heart problems (e.g., cardiomyopathy, slow heart rate, torsades de pointes, QTc prolongation), history of seizures, kidney disease, liver disease, muscle/joint/tendon problems, untreated mineral imbalance (e.g., low potassium or magnesium). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. If you have diabetes and are taking insulin or oral anti-diabetic drugs (e.g., glyburide), you may experience changes in blood glucose levels due to infection or use of gemifloxacin. Monitor your blood glucose frequently while using this medication and notify your doctor if you experience symptoms of high or low blood sugar. Symptoms of high blood sugar include increased thirst and urination. Symptoms of low blood sugar include dizziness, hunger, sweating and fast pulse. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects (e.g., tendon problems, especially if they are also taking corticosteroids drugs such as prednisone). Caution is advised when using this drug in children. Contact your doctor for more information. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), diabetes medications (e.g., glyburide, insulin), probenecid, live vaccines. Report the use of drugs which might increase seizure risk (decrease seizure threshold) when combined with gemifloxacin, such as phenothiazines (e.g., thioridazine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), isoniazid (INH), or theophylline. Other drugs besides gemifloxacin which may affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation in the EKG) include amiodarone, dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, and sparfloxacin among others. QTc prolongation can infrequently result in serious, rarely fatal, irregular heartbeats. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Ask for instructions about whether you need to stop any other QTc-prolonging drugs you may be using in order to minimize the risk of this effect. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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