Factive
Generic Name: Gemifloxacin
What is Factive?
Factive is an antibiotic used to treat adults ≥18 years with bronchitis or pneumonia caused by certain bacteria.What is the most important information I should know about Factive?
Fluoroquinolones, including Factive, may increase your risk of developing tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons) or tendon rupture. This risk is increased in patients who are older (>60 years old), taking corticosteroids, and who have undergone kidney, heart, or lung transplants. Immediately notify your physician if you experience tendon pain, swelling, or inflammation.The use of Factive may cause you to develop a serious allergic reaction that may be fatal. Immediately notify your physician if you develop any type of rash, difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, or throat tightening.
Pseudomembranous colitis (an infection of the colon resulting in diarrhea) can happen with most antibiotics, including Factive. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get watery diarrhea, diarrhea that does not go away, or bloody stools. You may have stomach cramps and a fever. Pseudomembranous colitis can happen 2 or more months after you have finished your antibiotic.
Stop taking Factive and notify your doctor immediately if you experience fainting spells, abnormal heartbeat or heart rhythm changes, seizures, skin rash, a sunburn-like reaction of skin eruption, changes in sensation and possible nerve damage characterized by pain, burning, tingling, numbness, and weakness.
Factive will treat only bacterial, not viaral, infections (eg, common cold). Be sure to take as directed and complete the course of therapy to prevent the possibility of bacterial resistance.
Who should not take Factive?
Do not take Factive if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or to any antibiotic called a quinolone. If you develop hives, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency treatment right away. If you develop a skin rash, stop taking Factive and call your doctor.Factive should not be given to adolescents or children; the effects of this drug on people >18 years old are unknown.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Factive?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Factive. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have tendon problems, central nervous system problems (such as epilepsy), nerve problems, a personal or family history of irregular heartbeat (especially a condition called QT prolongation),low blood potassium (hypokalemia) or magnesium (hypomagnesemia), slow heartbeat, a history of seizures, kidney problems, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or other history of joint problems, are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Bronchitis
Adults: The usual dosage is one 320-milligram (mg) tablet daily for 5 days.
Pneumonia
Adults: The usual dosage is one 320-mg tablet daily for 5-7 days.
How should I take Factive?
Take Factive at the same time each day. This drug can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole, and drink plenty of fluids with it. Do not chew the Factive tablet.Take Factive exactly as prescribed. Do not skip any doses or stop taking Factive, even if you begin to feel better, until you finish your prescribed treatment unless you have tendon effects, a serious allergic reaction, or your healthcare provider tells you to stop. This will help make sure that all of the bacteria are killed and lower the chance that the bacteria will become more resistant to Factive. If this happens, Factive and other antibiotic medicines may not work in the future.
What should I avoid while taking Factive?
Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds and limit your exposure to sun. As factive tablets can make your skin sensitive to sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. This may cause you to develop a severe sunburn, blisters or swelling of your skin. Notify your physician immediately if any of these symptoms occur and wear protective clothing and sunscreen when you are exposed to sunlight.Factive may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. It is important to avoid performing potentially hazardous tasks (e.g. driving, operating machinery, engaging in activities that require mental alertness) until you know how this drug affects you.
Do not take antacids, iron supplements, or multivitamins within 3 hours before or 2 hours after taking Factive tablets. Factive should be taken at least 2 hours before sucralfate.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with 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: antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, cisapride, corticosteroids (oral or by injection), didanosine, diuretics (such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide), erythromycin, iron (ferrous sulfate), multivitamins containing zinc, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, probenecid, sucralfate, tricyclic antidepressants, warfarin or other blood thinners.What are the possible side effects of Factive?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: diarrhea, rash, nausea, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness
Can I receive Factive if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Factive during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Factive?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take more than 1 dose in a 24-hour period.How should I store Factive?
Store at room temperature, away from light.
I'm Beth Isaac, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
