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Duo Fusion

Generic names: calcium carbonate, famotidine, and magnesium hydroxide [KAL-see-um-KAR-bo-nate, fam-OH-ti-deen, mag-NEE-see-um-hye-DROX-ide].
Brand names: Dual Action Complete, Duo Fusion, Pepcid Complete

Drug class: H2 antagonists

What is Duo Fusion?

Famotidine can block histamine-2 to reduce stomach acid production, while calcium and magnesium, both naturally-occurring minerals, neutralize it. Duo Fusion is an effective combination medication designed to alleviate heartburn caused by acid indigestion or an upset stomach; furthermore it may be utilized in other ways unmentioned herein.

Side effects of Duo Fusion

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.

If:

  • Your heartburn gets worse.

  • You still have heartburn two weeks after taking Duo Fusion.

You may experience less serious side effects or none at all. 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

This medicine should not be used if you have an allergy to famotidine (or similar acid-reducing medicines such as ranitidine, cimetidine, Zantac, or Tagamet). This medicine should not be used if your stools are bloody, you have a hard time swallowing, you are vomiting, or you have a difficult time swallowing.

Similar/related drugs

omeprazole, famotidine, pantoprazole, Protonix, esomeprazole, and Nexium

Before you take this drug

Heartburn may resemble early symptoms of a heart attack. If your chest pain radiates to your shoulder or jaw and you experience anxiety or lightheadedness, seek medical advice immediately. Additionally, this medication must not be used if there is an allergy to its components like Zantac or Tagamet that might make matters worse.

Duo Fusion should not be used if:

  • Trouble swallowing food or pain when eating;

  • Vomiting blood

  • Black, bloody, or tarry stools.

Have any of the following symptoms occurred?

  • When you have heartburn, you may experience difficulty breathing or

  • Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;

  • Unusual weight loss;

  • Kidney disease

  • If you've had heartburn for longer than three months,

This medication may contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria, check the label of any medications prescribed to you. Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you're pregnant or nursing. This medicine should not be given to children younger than 12 without consulting a doctor.

How to take Duo Fusion?

Follow all instructions listed on your medication or those prescribed by a healthcare professional. The chewable tablet must be chewed before it can be swallowed. Use no more than 2 tablets per 24 hours. If your stomach pain persists or your symptoms don't improve within 14 days, call your doctor. You could have a serious stomach problem.

Other tips to manage heartburn, in addition to taking the medication, include:

  • After eating, do not bend or lie down.

  • Avoid snacking late at night or right before going to sleep.

  • Slowly eat, and avoid large meals.

  • Quit smoking if you smoke.

  • Lose weight if you are obese.

  • Raise your head up in bed.

  • Dress loosely around your abdomen.

Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Duo Fusion should only be taken when absolutely necessary and at your discretion; no set schedule should be followed for dosing. If it's almost time for another dose, skip any missed one altogether; do not double up on doses at one sitting.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain with a rapid heart rate.

What should be avoided?

This medicine should not be taken with regular famotidine, Pepcid Ac, Pepcid RPD, or any other acid-reducing medication. Stay away from foods and drinks which could contribute to heartburn. These include chocolate, caffein, and alcohol.

Interaction with other drug

Duo Fusion may make it more difficult for your body to absorb other medications you take orally. Before using this medication with other medications, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Duo Fusion may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Informing your physician of all medications you are currently taking and any that are discontinued or introduced should help in diagnosis and monitoring.