Factive

What is Factive?

Factive is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic that fights the presence of bacteria in your body. Factive is a treatment for various types of lung infections caused by bacteria. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can trigger serious or even fatal adverse consequences. Factive is recommended only in cases of infections that can't be treated with a more safe antibiotic. Factive is also used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Adverse side effects of Factive

Contact emergency medical assistance when you are experiencing symptoms warning signs of a reaction (hives and breathing problems or swelling of your throat or face) or an extreme skin reaction (fever and burning sensations in your eyes, pain in the skin, and the skin is red or purple, which spreads and leads to blistering as well as peeling).

Factive may cause severe side effects, such as tendon issues, adverse consequences for your nerves (which can result in permanent damage to your nerves), a serious change in your mood or behavior (after only one dose), or lower blood sugar (which could result in a coma).

Do not take Factive and contact your doctor immediately if you are suffering from:

• Low blood sugar, headache, and hunger sweating and dizziness, irritability, nausea, a high heart rate, or feeling anxious or shakey.
• The symptoms of nerves that affect your hands, arms, legs, feet, or hands—numbness and weakness, tingling, burning pain.
• Severe mood or behavior changes—nervousness, disorientation, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, memory issues, difficulty concentrating, suicidal ideation.
• Symptoms of a ruptured tendon: sudden swelling, pain, bruising tenderness, stiffness issues with movement, or a squealing or popping sound that occurs in any joint (rest your joint till you get medical attention or follow-up instructions).

In rare instances, Factive may cause damage to your aorta, which is the major blood vessel in the body. This could result in dangerous bleeding or even death. Seek medical attention immediately in the event of chronic and persistent discomfort in your stomach, chest, or back. Also, stop taking Factive and contact your doctor immediately if you are suffering from:

• Extreme stomach pains; diarrhea that is bloody or watery.
• Heartbeats that are fast or rapid, racing within the chest area, breathing problems, and an abrupt dizziness (like you're about to pass out).
• The initial sign of an itchy rash, no matter how minor.
• Breathing difficulties, muscle weakness.
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
• A seizure (convulsions).
• An increase in pressure inside the skull can cause severe headaches, ringing in the ears, problems with vision, and pain behind your eyes.

Common adverse effects of Factive can include:

• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea.
• Rash.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.

This is not a comprehensive list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Factive may cause serious adverse effects, such as nerve injuries, tendon problems, and serious changes in behavior or mood, as well as low blood sugar levels. Stop taking this medication and contact your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms that include hunger, headache irritation, numbness and burning discomfort, agitation, confusion, or paranoia, issues with concentration or memory, suicidal ideation, severe discomfort, or joint movement issues. In rare instances, Factive could lead to damage to your aorta, which can lead to bleeding or even death. Get emergency medical assistance if you experience chronic and persistent discomfort in your chest, stomach, or back.

Before you take this drug

It is not recommended to make use of Factive in the event that you are allergic to Factive or any other fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, and many others).

Factive can cause swelling or a tear of the tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles throughout your human body), especially in the Achilles' tendon in the heel. It can occur in the course of treatment or some months after stopping using this medication. Tendon issues are more likely to develop if you are older than 60, are taking a steroid drug, or have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Speak to your doctor if you have ever suffered from:

• Tendon disorders, arthritis, or other joint issues.
• Blood circulation issues such as aneurysms, narrowing of the arteries, or hardening of the arteries.
• Heart issues, high blood pressure.
• A genetic disorder like Marfan syndrome or Ehler's Danlos syndrome.
• Diabetes.
• A nerve or muscle disorder, like myasthenia gravis.
• The long QT disorder (in the case of you or a member of your family).
• Problems swallowing pills.
• kidney disease or liver failure.
• Epilepsy or any other seizures.
• Low magnesium or potassium levels in your blood.

It isn't known if this medicine can affect a newborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are expecting. It is not recommended to breastfeed when using Factive. Factive is not a product that has been approved for use by anyone less than 18 years old.

How to take Factive?

Follow the directions on the label of your prescription and read the medication guide or instructions sheets. Make sure you use the medication exactly as prescribed. Take Factive with a glass of water and drink plenty of fluids to ensure that your kidneys are functioning properly when you take this medication. The medicine should be taken every day, either with or without meals. Take the tablet in its entirety and don't chew it.

Make sure to take this medicine for the entire prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve quickly. Inadequate doses could increase your chances of getting an illness that is intolerant to treatment. Factive is not able to treat the symptoms of a virus or an illness like the flu or a commonly occurring cold. Don't share this medication with anyone else, even if they suffer from similar symptoms to yours. Maintain at room temperature, far from heat, humidity, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

You should take the medication as soon as possible. However, do not take any missed doses if it's nearing the time to take the next dose. Avoid taking two doses at a time.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Take Factive only with dairy products like yogurt or milk or with calcium-fortified juices. It is possible to consume or drink these drinks as part of your regular meal, but don't make use of them by themselves when you are taking this medication. They may make the medication less effective. The use of antibiotics can trigger diarrhea and could be an indication of a new infection. If you experience diarrhea that is bloody or watery, consult your physician prior to applying anti-diarrhea medications. Factive may cause you to get sunburned more quickly. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. Protect yourself with protective clothes and sunblock (SPF 30 or more) while you're outdoors. Consult your physician when you notice burning, redness, itching, swelling, or a rash after sun exposure. Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand how Factive can affect you. The way you react could be impaired.

Interaction with other drugs

Certain medicines may make Factive less effective if taken together. If you are taking any of the following medications, you should take this medication dose two hours prior to or three hours following the time you took the other medication:

• Antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium (such as Maalox, Mylanta, or Rolaids) or the medicine for ulcers sucralfate (Carafate).
• Didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets.
• Vitamin or mineral supplements that include aluminum, magnesium, iron, and zinc.

Factive may cause serious heart conditions. Your risk of developing heart problems could be more pronounced if you take various other drugs for asthma, infections, and heart conditions, as well as for high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.

Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, particularly:

• Probenecid.
• A diuretic "water pill".
• Insulin or oral diabetes medication (check your sugar level on a regular basis).
• A blood thinner—Warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.
• These are NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): aspirin, Ibuprofen, aspirin (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), as well as celecoxib, diclofenac (also known as indomethacin), diclofe, and many others.
• Steroid medicine—prednisone, methylprednisolone, and others.

This list is not comprehensive. Other drugs can be incompatible when used with gemifloxacin, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. There are not all interactions included in this guideline for medication.