fidaxomicin

fye-dax-oh-MYE-sin

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Dificid

Available Dosage Forms:

• Tablet

Chemical Class: Macrolide

Uses For fidaxomicin

Fidaxomicin is used to treat adults with Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD).

Fidaxomicin belongs to the class of medicines known as macrolide antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, fidaxomicin will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

fidaxomicin is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before Using fidaxomicin

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For fidaxomicin, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to fidaxomicin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of fidaxomicin in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of fidaxomicin in the elderly.

Pregnancy

	Pregnancy Category	Explanation
All Trimesters	B	Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of fidaxomicin. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Infection, systemic—Should not be used to treat systemic infections.

Proper Use of fidaxomicin

Take fidaxomicin only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

You may take fidaxomicin with or without food.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using fidaxomicin for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. If you stop using fidaxomicin too soon, your infection may return.

Dosing

The dose of fidaxomicin will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of fidaxomicin. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  
  • For Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD):
    
    • Adults—200 milligrams (mg) two times a day for 10 days.
    
    
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    
    
  
  

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of fidaxomicin, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Precautions While Using fidaxomicin

It is very important that your doctor check your progress after you finish taking fidaxomicin. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days after you start fidaxomicin or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Do not take any medicine to treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor. Diarrhea medicines may make the diarrhea worse or make it last longer. If you have any questions about this or if mild diarrhea continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.

fidaxomicin Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

• Abdominal or stomach pain


• bloating


• bloody or black, tarry stools


• chills


• confusion


• constipation


• cough


• drowsiness


• fever


• loss of appetite


• lower back or side pain


• muscle tremors


• nausea


• painful or difficult urination


• pale skin


• rapid, deep breathing


• restlessness


• severe constipation


• shortness of breath


• sore throat


• stomach cramps


• troubled breathing with exertion


• ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth


• unusual bleeding or bruising


• unusual tiredness or weakness


• vomiting


• vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• Abdominal or stomach distension or tenderness


• acid or sour stomach


• belching


• blurred vision


• difficulty with swallowing


• dry mouth


• excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines


• flushed, dry skin


• fruit-like breath odor


• full feeling


• heartburn


• increased hunger


• increased thirst


• increased urination


• indigestion


• itching skin


• passing gas


• rash


• stomach discomfort or upset


• sweating


• troubled breathing


• unexplained weight loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: fidaxomicin side effects (in more detail)

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More fidaxomicin resources

• Fidaxomicin Side Effects (in more detail)
• Fidaxomicin Dosage
• Fidaxomicin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Fidaxomicin Drug Interactions
• Fidaxomicin Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Fidaxomicin - Add your own review/rating

• Fidaxomicin Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Fidaxomicin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Dificid Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Dificid Consumer Overview

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