Avelox (oral/injection)

What is Avelox?

Moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone.The treatment of different types of bacterial infections of the skin or sinuses is done with moxifloxacin.Fluoroquinolone antibacterials may cause severe or permanent side effects. Only use moxifloxacin for infections that cannot be treated by a safer antibiotic.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of moxifloxacin.

Side effects of Avelox

If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe reaction to your skin (fever or sore throat with burning, pain in the eyes, or skin pain), or if your skin has rashes that are red or purple and cause blisters or peeling, seek emergency medical attention.After just one dose, moxifloxacin may cause severe side effects. These include tendon problems, nerve side effects (which could cause permanent nerve damage), mood or behaviour changes that are serious (even after a single dose), and low sugar, which can lead to coma.

Do not use this medicine if you are suffering from:

• Low blood sugar: headache; sweating; irritability; and dizziness. Nausea. Rapid heart rate.
• Nerve symptoms can include numbness, weakness, or burning pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs.
• Serious mood or behaviour changes—nervousness, confusion, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, memory problems, trouble concentrating, thoughts of suicide; or|
• Signs of tendon rupture include sudden pain, swelling, bruises, tenderness, and stiffness. You may also experience movement issues or hear a popping or snapping sound.

Moxifloxacin can cause damage to the aorta (the main blood vessel of the body) in rare cases. If you experience severe pain in your back, chest, or stomach, seek emergency medical attention.

Stop using moxifloxacin immediately and consult your doctor if:

• Severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea, watery or bleeding;
• You may experience rapid or pounding pulses, fluttering of the chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness.
• Muscle weakness and breathing problems
• A seizure (convulsions);
• Any skin rash;
• Increased pressure in the skull can cause severe headaches, ringing ears, vision issues, or pain behind the eyes.
• Liver problems: upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, and clay-coloured stools. Jaundice.

Side effects of Avelox include:

• Nausea, diarrhoea;
• Dizziness;

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.

Warnings

Moxifloxacin may cause severe side effects, including nerve damage, mood or behaviour changes, or tendon problems.If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using this medication and contact your doctor immediately headaches, nausea, irritability, or tingling in your hands or feet; confusion, agitation, or paranoia; problems with concentration or memory; thoughts of suicide; or sudden pain in your joints.If you experience severe pain in your back, chest, or stomach, seek emergency medical attention.

Before you take this drug

If you have an allergy to fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin (levofloxacin), gemifloxacin (ciprofloxacin), ofloxacin (ofloxacin), norfloxacin, and others, then this medication is not for you.Moxifloxacin can cause swelling or tears in a tendon (the fibre that connects muscles to bones in the body). This is most common in the Achilles tendon in the heel. This can occur during treatment or even up to a few months after stopping moxifloxacin. Tendon problems are more common in people over 60 years old, those who take steroids, and those who have had kidney, heart, or lung transplants.

Tell your doctor about any of the following:

• Joint problems can include tendon or bone problems, arthritis, and other joint problems.
• Aneurysms, narrowing, or hardening of the arteries are all symptoms of blood circulation problems.
• Heart problems High blood pressure
• Genetic disorders include Marfan Syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome;
• Diabetes;
• A muscle or nerve disorder such as myasthenia gravis
• Liver or kidney disease
• A seizure, head injury, or brain tumour;
• Long-QT syndrome
• Low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia)

Moxifloxacin should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.

How to take Avelox?

Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label.Oral moxifloxacin is taken orally.Drink extra water and take moxifloxacin orally to help your kidneys work properly.Take moxifloxacin orally with or without food at the same time every day.Injections of moxifloxacin are given into the vein. Your healthcare provider may give you your first dose and teach you how to use the medicine properly.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you don't understand, consult your physician or pharmacist.Only prepare your injection when you're ready to administer it. If the colour of your medicine has changed or if it contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist.Moxifloxacin should not be injected in the same vein as other medications. Inject slowly and allow at least one hour for the infusion.Even if you feel better quickly, continue to take this medication for the entire prescribed time. You can get infections resistant to medications if you skip doses. Moxifloxacin does not treat a virus such as the flu or common cold.Do not share moxifloxacin with anyone else.Keep moxifloxacin oral away from moisture and heat. Do not refrigerate the injection.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you miss a dose, take it immediately. If it has already expired, however, take another as soon as possible.Skip the missed dose when your next dose is less than eight hours away. Never take two doses in one go.If you missed a dose, call your doctor to get instructions.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

Aviod this

Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You may be unable to react properly.Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. This could be an indication of a new illness. Call your doctor if you have bloody or watery diarrhoea before taking anti-diarrhoea medication.You may get sunburnt easier if you take moxifloxacin. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock with an SPF of 30 or more. If you experience severe sunburn, redness, itchiness, rash, or swelling, tell your doctor.

Interaction with other drug

Some medicines may make moxifloxacin less effective if taken together. Take your moxifloxacin 4 hours before or 8 hours after taking the other medicine.

• The ulcer medicine sucralfate or antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminium (such as Maalox Milk of Magnesia Mylanta Pepcid Complete Rolaids Tums and others);
• Didanosine, Videx powder, or chewable tablet;
• Sevelamer, or lanthanum carbonate.
• Vitamin or mineral supplements containing aluminium, iron, magnesium, or zinc

Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:

• Erythromycin;
• A blood thinner (Warfarin Coumadin Jantoven);
• A diuretic, or "water pill".
• Heart rhythm medication
• Insulin (or oral diabetes medication) (check your blood glucose regularly);
• Medicine to treat mental illness or depression
• Steroid medicine (such as prednisone);
• Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, and Indomethacin are all nsaids.

This list is incomplete. Moxifloxacin may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible interactions with other drugs.