Generic Name: griseofulvin (GRIS ee oh FUL vin)
Brand Names: Fulvicin P/G, Fulvicin U/F, Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG, Grisactin 500, Grisactin Ultra

What is Fulvicin U/F (griseofulvin)?

Griseofulvin is an antifungal medication. It is like an antibiotic but is used to treat fungal infections.

Griseofulvin is used to treat fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails such as jock itch, athlete’s foot, and barber’s itch.

Griseofulvin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Fulvicin U/F (griseofulvin)?

Take all of the griseofulvin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Griseofulvin increases sensitivity to sunlight, and severe burning may result.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Fulvicin U/F (griseofulvin)?

You cannot take griseofulvin if you

• have ever had an allergic reaction to it,

• have porphyria, or

• have liver disease.

Talk to your doctor before taking griseofulvin if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Griseofulvin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether griseofulvin will harm an unborn baby. In rare cases, the use of griseofulvin has been associated with conjoined twins. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether griseofulvin passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Griseofulvin may affect sperm and sperm production. It is recommended that you avoid fathering a child during treatment with griseofulvin and for 6 months following therapy.

How should I take Fulvicin U/F (griseofulvin)?

Take griseofulvin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Your doctor may recommend that you take griseofulvin with a fatty meal to increase its absorption into your body. Take all of the griseofulvin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated. Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of griseofulvin with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Store griseofulvin tablets, capsules, and suspension at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Take the rest of the day’s doses at evenly spaced intervals unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a griseofulvin overdose are not well known but might include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, numbness and tingling, and confusion.

What should I avoid while taking Fulvicin U/F (griseofulvin)?

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Griseofulvin increases sensitivity to sunlight, and severe burning may result. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable. The combination of alcohol and griseofulvin may cause flushing and a fast heart rate. Use alcohol cautiously during treatment with griseofulvin.

Fulvicin U/F (griseofulvin) side effects

Stop taking griseofulvin and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take griseofulvin and notify your doctor if you experience

• white patches in your mouth (thrush/yeast infection);

• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;

• headache, dizziness, or tiredness;

• insomnia;

• confusion;

• numbness or tingling in your hands or feet; or

• menstrual irregularities.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Fulvicin U/F (griseofulvin)?

Griseofulvin may decrease the effects of the following drugs:

• oral anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin). A decrease in the effectiveness of anticoagulants could lead to blood clotting. It may be necessary to increase anticoagulant dosage.

• birth control pills. Decreased effectiveness could lead to break-through bleeding and possibly to an unintended pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about using of other forms of birth control during treatment with griseofulvin.

• salicylates such as aspirin, salsalate (Disalcid, Salsitab, Salflex, others), choline salicylate (Arthropan), magnesium salicylate (Doan’s, Magan), and others. Larger doses of these medicines may be needed.

• cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral). Your doctor may need to adjust your cyclosporine dosage.

The effects of griseofulvin may be decreased by barbiturates such as phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), pentobarbital (Nembutal), secobarbital (Seconal), amobarbital (Amytal), and butabarbital (Butisol). Larger doses of griseofulvin may be necessary if you are taking any of these drugs.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with griseofulvin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about griseofulvin.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children. Never share your medicines with others and only use this medicine for the illness your doctor prescribed it for.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. (‘Multum’) is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum’s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum’s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.01. Revision Date: 04/02/2009 9:39:59 AM.

Generic Name: griseofulvin (Oral route)

gris-ee-oh-FUL-vin

Commonly used brand name(s):

In the U.S.

• Fulvicin P/G
• Fulvicin-U/F
• Grifulvin V
• Gris-PEG

Available Dosage Forms:

• Tablet
• Capsule
• Suspension

Therapeutic Class: Antifungal

Uses For Fulvicin-U/F

Griseofulvin belongs to the group of medicines called antifungals. It is used to treat fungus infections of the skin, hair, fingernails, and toenails. This medicine may be taken alone or used along with medicines that are applied to the skin for fungus infections.

Griseofulvin is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Before Using Fulvicin-U/F

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 this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine 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

This medicine has been tested in a limited number of children 2 years of age or older. In effective doses, the medicine has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of griseofulvin in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

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

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Desogestrel
• Ethinyl Estradiol
• Etonogestrel
• Levonorgestrel
• Mestranol
• Norelgestromin
• Norethindrone
• Norgestrel
• Phenobarbital
• Warfarin

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.

Using this medicine with any of the following is usually not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

• Ethanol

Other Medical Problems

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

• Liver disease—Griseofulvin may on rare occasion cause side effects affecting the liver

• Lupus erythematosus or lupus-like diseases—Griseofulvin may worsen lupus symptoms in patients who have lupus erythematosus or lupus-like diseases

• Porphyria—Griseofulvin may increase attacks of porphyria in patients with acute intermittent porphyria

Proper Use of griseofulvin

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain griseofulvin. It may not be specific to Fulvicin-U/F. Please read with care.

Griseofulvin is absorbed best when it is taken with a high fat meal, such as a cheeseburger, whole milk, or ice cream. Tell your doctor if you are on a low-fat diet.

Griseofulvin is best taken with or after meals, especially fatty ones (for example, whole milk or ice cream). This lessens possible stomach upset and helps to clear up the infection by helping your body absorb the medicine better. However, if you are on a low-fat diet, check with your doctor.

For patients taking the oral liquid form of griseofulvin :

• Use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine 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 this medicine. 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 microsize capsules, tablets, and suspension:
  • Adults and teenagers:
    • Treatment of fungus infections of the feet and nails—500 milligrams (mg) every twelve hours.
    • Treatment of fungus infections of the scalp, skin, and groin—250 mg every twelve hours; or 500 mg once a day.
  • Children:
    • Treatment of fungus infections—Dose is based on body weight. The usual dose is 5 mg per kilogram (kg) (2.3 mg per pound) of body weight every twelve hours; or 10 mg per kg (4.6 mg per pound) of body weight once a day.
• For ultramicrosize tablets:
  • Adults and teenagers:
    • Treatment of fungus infections of the feet and nails—250 to 375 mg every twelve hours.
    • Treatment of fungus infections of the scalp, skin, and groin—125 to 187.5 mg every twelve hours; or 250 to 375 mg once a day.
  • Infants and children up to 2 years of age:
    • Treatment of fungus infections—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • Children 2 years of age and over:
    • Treatment of fungus infections—Dose is based on body weight. The usual dose is 2.75 to 3.65 mg per kg (1.25 to 1.7 mg per pound) of body weight every twelve hours; or 5.5 to 7.3 mg per kg (2.5 to 3.3 mg per pound) of body weight once a day.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, 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.

Precautions While Using Fulvicin-U/F

Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits to make sure that griseofulvin does not cause unwanted effects.

Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) containing estrogen may not work properly if you take them while you are taking griseofulvin. Unplanned pregnancies may occur. You should use a different or additional means of birth control while you are taking griseofulvin and for one month after stopping griseofulvin. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

Griseofulvin may increase the effects of alcohol. If taken with alcohol it may also cause fast heartbeat, flushing, increased sweating, or redness of the face. Therefore, if you have this reaction, do not drink alcoholic beverages while you are taking this medicine, unless you have first checked with your doctor.

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do other things that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert. If these reactions are especially bothersome, check with your doctor.

Griseofulvin may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than it is normally. Exposure to sunlight, even for brief periods of time, may cause a skin rash, itching, redness or other discoloration of the skin, or a severe sunburn. When you begin taking this medicine:

• Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., if possible.
• Wear protective clothing, including a hat. Also, wear sunglasses.
• Apply a sun block product that has a skin protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Some patients may require a product with a higher SPF number, especially if they have a fair complexion. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.
• Apply a sun block lipstick that has an SPF of at least 15 to protect your lips.
• Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed or booth.

If you have a severe reaction from the sun, check with your doctor.

Fulvicin-U/F Side Effects

Griseofulvin has been shown to cause liver and thyroid tumors in some animals. You and your doctor should discuss the good this medicine will do, as well as the risks of taking it.

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 as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

• Confusion
• increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight
• skin rash, hives, or itching
• soreness or irritation of mouth or tongue

Rare

• Numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in hands or feet
• sore throat and fever
• yellow eyes or skin

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:

More common

• Headache

Less common

• Diarrhea
• dizziness
• nausea or vomiting
• stomach pain
• trouble in sleeping
• unusual tiredness

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.

The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.

The use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided “AS IS” and “as available” for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Reuters Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Reuters Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products.

Generic Name: floxuridine (flox URE i deen)
Brand Names: FUDR

What is FUDR (floxuridine)?

Floxuridine is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Floxuridine interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Floxuridine is used in the treatment of digestive system cancers that have spread to the liver.

Floxuridine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about FUDR (floxuridine)?

Floxuridine should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Serious side effects have been reported with the use of floxuridine including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection); sores in the mouth or throat; severe vomiting or diarrhea; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with floxuridine.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using FUDR (floxuridine)?

Do not use floxuridine without first talking to your doctor if you

• have liver disease;
• have kidney disease;

• have an infection;

• are in a poor nutritional state;

• have had previous radiation to the pelvic area;

• have had previous treatment with other chemotherapy medicines; or

• have poor bone marrow function.

The use of floxuridine may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Floxuridine is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use floxuridine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with floxuridine. It is not known whether floxuridine passes into breast milk. Do not take floxuridine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

How should I use FUDR (floxuridine)?

Floxuridine should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with floxuridine depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

Your doctor may want to admit you to the hospital for the first dose or doses of floxuridine to monitor you for any reaction.

Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with floxuridine to monitor progress and side effects.

Your healthcare provider will store floxuridine as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing floxuridine at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of floxuridine.

What happens if I overdose?

If for any reason an overdose of floxuridine is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Symptoms of a floxuridine overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

What should I avoid while using FUDR (floxuridine)?

Floxuridine can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with floxuridine. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.

FUDR (floxuridine) side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects from floxuridine, contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, or signs of infection);

• severe vomiting;

• diarrhea, frequent bowel movements or watery stools; or

• sores in the mouth or throat; or

• stomach pain or heartburn or black, bloody or tarry stools.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking floxuridine and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• mild to moderate nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite;

• redness of the palms of the hands or soles of the feet;

• increased eye watering;

• balance problems;

• confusion;

• rash and itching; or

• temporary hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect FUDR (floxuridine)?

Do not receive “live” vaccines during treatment with floxuridine. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with floxuridine.

Other drugs may interact with floxuridine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with floxuridine.

Where can I get more information?

• Your healthcare provider may have additional information about floxuridine that you may read.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. (‘Multum’) is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum’s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum’s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.02. Revision Date: 4/12/2009 4:39:43 PM.

Generic Name: fulvestrant (ful VES trant)
Brand Names: Faslodex

What is fulvestrant?

Fulvestrant is an anti-estrogen medication. It works by blocking the actions of estrogen in the body. Certain types of breast cancer use estrogen to grow and multiply in the body.

Fulvestrant is used to treat some hormone-related breast cancer. Fulvestrant is also used in postmenopausal women whose breast cancer has progressed after treatment with other anti-estrogen medication.

Fulvestrant may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about fulvestrant?

Do not receive fulvestrant without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Before you receive fulvestrant, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, thrombocytopenia (a low level of platelets in your blood), or if you are taking a blood thinner such as Coumadin.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your fulvestrant injection.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive fulvestrant?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to fulvestrant, or if you are pregnant.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication:

• liver disease;

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or

• thrombocytopenia (a low level of platelets in the blood).

FDA pregnancy category D. Fulvestrant can cause harm to an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not receive fulvestrant without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether fulvestrant passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is fulvestrant given?

Fulvestrant is given as an injection into a muscle of your buttock. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Fulvestrant is usually given once a month. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your fulvestrant injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Since fulvestrant is given by a healthcare professional, an overdose is not likely to occur.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a fulvestrant overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while receiving fulvestrant?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during treatment.

Fulvestrant side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache, back pain;

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

• constipation, diarrhea;

• sore throat, cough;

• weakness;

• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin;

• loss of appetite;

• swelling in your hands or feet;

• unusual vaginal bleeding;

• hot flashes; or

• mild pain or swelling where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Fulvestrant Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Breast Cancer:

250 mg administered intramuscularly into the buttock at intervals of one month either as a single 5 mL injection or as two concurrent 2.5 mL injections.

What other drugs will affect fulvestrant?

Before you receive fulvestrant, tell your doctor if you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with fulvestrant. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about fulvestrant.

• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. (‘Multum’) is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum’s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum’s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.01. Revision Date: 09/25/2009 11:58:44 AM.

ful-VES-trant

Commonly used brand name(s):

In the U.S.

• Faslodex

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antiestrogen

Uses For fulvestrant

Fulvestrant is a medicine that is used to treat breast cancer.

Many breast cancer tumors grow in response to estrogen. fulvestrant blocks the effects of the estrogen hormone in the body. As a result, the amount of estrogen that the tumor is exposed to is reduced, limiting the growth of the tumor.

fulvestrant is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Before Using fulvestrant

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 fulvestrant, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to fulvestrant 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.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people.

Pregnancy

	Pregnancy Category	Explanation
All Trimesters	D	Studies in pregnant women have demonstrated a risk to the fetus. However, the benefits of therapy in a life threatening situation or a serious disease, may outweigh the potential risk.

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 fulvestrant. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Bleeding problems—May be worsened by fulvestrant

• Liver disease—Effects of fulvestrant may be increased because of slower removal from the body

Proper Use of fulvestrant

Fulvestrant is usually given by a health care professional. However, medicines given by injection are sometimes used at home. If you will be using fulvestrant at home, your health care professional will teach you how the injections are to be given. Be certain that you understand exactly how the medicine is to be injected. Do not reuse needles and syringes.

Put used needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant disposable container, or dispose of them as directed by your health care professional.

Dosing

The dose of fulvestrant 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 fulvestrant. 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 parenteral dosage form (injection):
  • For cancer of the breast:
    • Adults—250 milligrams (mg), injected into the muscle of the buttocks on the same day of every month (e.g., the first day of every month). The dose can be given as a single 5 mL (milliliter) injection, or as two 2.5 mL (milliliter) injections, immediately following each other.

Missed Dose

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

If you miss a dose of fulvestrant, take it as soon as possible and schedule the next dose 30 days later. Do not double doses or use more often than one dose every 30 days. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Storage

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

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 fulvestrant

Your doctor will want to check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

For women of childbearing age—It is very important that you do not become pregnant while taking fulvestrant.

fulvestrant 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:

More common

• Bloating or swelling of face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• rapid weight gain
• tingling of hands or feet
• unusual weight gain or loss

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:

More Common

• Back pain
• bladder pain
• bloody or cloudy urine
• body aches or pain
• bone pain
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles” , or tingling feelings
• chest pain
• chills
• congestion
• cough, increased
• diarrhea
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• difficult or labored breathing
• difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• discouragement
• dizziness
• dryness or soreness of throat
• feeling faint, dizzy, or light-headedness
• feeling of warmth or heat
• feeling sad or empty
• fever
• flushing or redness of skin, especially on face and neck
• frequent urge to urinate
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• headache
• hoarseness
• injection site pain
• irritability
• joint pain
• lack or loss of appetite
• lack or loss of strength
• loss of interest or pleasure
• lower back or side pain
• muscle aches and pains
• nausea
• pain
• pelvic pain
• runny nose
• shivering
• shortness of breath
• skin rash
• sleeplessness
• sore throat
• stomach pain
• sweating
• tender, swollen glands in neck
• tightness in chest
• trouble concentrating
• trouble in swallowing
• trouble sleeping
• unable to sleep
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• voice changes
• vomiting
• wheezing

Less common

• Difficulty in moving
• fear
• muscle pain or stiffness
• nervousness
• pain, swelling, or redness in joints
• pale skin
• troubled breathing with exertion
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Rare

• Black, tarry stools
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• muscle aching or cramping
• muscle pains or stiffness
• pain in chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves
• sensation of spinning
• severe, sudden headache
• slurred speech
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth
• sudden, unexplained shortness of breath
• sudden loss of coordination
• sudden, severe weakness or numbness in arm or leg
• swollen joints
• vaginal bleeding
• vision changes

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.

The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.

The use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided “AS IS” and “as available” for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Reuters Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Reuters Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products.

froe-va-TRIP-tan

Commonly used brand name(s):

In the U.S.

• Frova

Available Dosage Forms:

• Tablet

Therapeutic Class: Antimigraine

Pharmacologic Class: Serotonin Receptor Agonist, 5-HT1

Uses For frovatriptan

Frovatriptan is used to treat severe migraine headaches. Many people find that their headaches go away completely after they take frovatriptan. Other people find that their headaches are much less painful, and that they are able to go back to their normal activities even though their headaches are not completely gone. Frovatriptan often relieves other symptoms that occur together with a migraine headache, such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and sensitivity to sound.

Frovatriptan is not an ordinary pain reliever. It will not relieve any kind of pain other than migraine headaches. frovatriptan is usually used for people whose headaches are not relieved by acetaminophen, aspirin, or other pain relievers.

Frovatriptan has caused serious side effects in some people, especially people who have heart or blood vessel disease. Be sure that you discuss with your doctor the risks of using frovatriptan as well as the good that it can do.

Frovatriptan is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Before Using frovatriptan

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 frovatriptan, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to frovatriptan 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

Studies on frovatriptan have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of frovatriptan in children with use in other age groups. However, frovatriptan is not recommended for use in patients younger than 18 years of age.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of frovatriptan in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Pregnancy

	Pregnancy Category	Explanation
All Trimesters	C	Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

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

Using frovatriptan with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Almotriptan
• Avitriptan
• Dihydroergotamine
• Eletriptan
• Ergoloid Mesylates
• Ergonovine
• Ergotamine
• Linezolid
• Metergoline
• Methylergonovine
• Methysergide
• Naratriptan
• Pergolide
• Rizatriptan
• Sumatriptan
• Zolmitriptan

Using frovatriptan with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Citalopram
• Desvenlafaxine
• Duloxetine
• Escitalopram
• Fluoxetine
• Fluvoxamine
• Milnacipran
• Paroxetine
• Reboxetine
• Sertraline
• Sibutramine
• St John’s Wort
• Tapentadol
• Venlafaxine

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 frovatriptan. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure—Use of frovatriptan may cause this condition to become worse.

• Coronary artery disease or

• Heart attack (recent) or
• Heart disease
• Risk factors for coronary artery disease such as high cholesterol, family history, diabetes, obesity, women after menopause and men over 40 years of age—Use of frovatriptan may cause problems in patients with these risk factors.

• Blood vessel disease, especially in the intestines and fingers—Use of frovatriptan may cause these conditions to become worse.

• Bleeding in the brain or
• Stroke (or history of)—Use of frovatriptan may increase the chance of having a stroke

Proper Use of frovatriptan

Dosing

The dose of frovatriptan 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 frovatriptan. 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.

Do not use frovatriptan for a headache that is different from your usual migraines. Instead, check with your doctor.

To relieve your migraine as soon as possible, use frovatriptan as soon as the headache pain begins. Even if you get warning signals of a coming migraine (an aura), you should wait until the headache pain starts before using frovatriptan. Using frovatriptan during the aura probably will not prevent the headache from occurring. However, even if you do not use frovatriptan until your migraine has been present for several hours, the medicine will still work.

Lying down in a quiet, dark room for a while after you use frovatriptan may help relieve your migraine.

If you are not much better 2 hours after a tablet is taken follow your health care provider’s instructions concerning taking one additional dose. A migraine that is not relieved by the first dose of frovatriptan probably will not be relieved by a second dose, either. Ask your doctor ahead of time about other medicine to be taken if frovatriptan does not work. After taking the other medicine, check with your doctor as soon as possible. Headaches that are not relieved by frovatriptan are sometimes caused by conditions that need other treatment. However, even if frovatriptan does not relieve one migraine, it may still relieve the next one.

If you feel much better after a dose of frovatriptan, but your headache comes back or gets worse after a while, you may use one more tablet of frovatriptan. However, use frovatriptan only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, and do not use it more often, than directed. Using too much frovatriptan may increase the chance of side effects.

Your doctor may direct you to take another medicine to help prevent headaches. It is important that you follow your doctor’s directions, even if your headaches continue to occur. Headache-preventing medicines may take several weeks to start working. Even after they do start working, your headaches may not go away completely. However, your headaches should occur less often, and they should be less severe and easier to relieve. This may reduce the amount of frovatriptan or pain relievers that you need. If you do not notice any improvement after several weeks of headache-preventing treatment, check with your doctor.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For migraine headaches:
    • Adults—Take one tablet (2.5 mg (milligrams) anytime after the start of your migraine headache. You may take a second tablet if your headache comes back after relief from the 1st dose. You should wait at least 2 hours between doses. Do not take more than 3 tablets in a 24 hour period.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

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 frovatriptan

Check with your doctor if you have used frovatriptan for three headaches, and have not had good relief. Also, check with your doctor if your migraine headaches are worse, or if they are occurring more often, than before you started using frovatriptan.

Drinking alcoholic beverages can make headaches worse or cause new headaches to occur. People who suffer from severe headaches should probably avoid alcoholic beverages, especially during a headache.

Some people feel drowsy or dizzy during or after a migraine, or after taking frovatriptan to relieve a migraine. As long as you are feeling drowsy or dizzy, do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert.

frovatriptan 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

• Chest pain

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:

More Common

• Dizziness

Less common

• Acid or sour stomach, belching, heartburn, indigestion, stomach discomfort, upset or pain
• dry mouth
• fatigue, such as unusual tiredness or weakness
• flushing, such as feeling of warmth, redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally upper chest
• headache
• hot or cold sensation
• nausea
• skeletal pain, such as pain in bones
• tingling, burning, or prickly sensations
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness.

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.

The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.

The use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided “AS IS” and “as available” for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Reuters Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Reuters Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products.

Brand names: Frova

Why is Frovatriptan succinate prescribed?

Frova is used to relieve attacks of migraine headache. It’s helpful whether or not the headache is preceded by an aura (visual disturbances such as seeing halos or flickering lights).

Experts think that migraines are caused by the expansion of blood vessels serving the brain, and that this expansion is triggered by a decline in the level of serotonin, one of the brain’s chief chemical messengers. Frova works by restoring serotonin levels to normal. It belongs to a class of drugs called “serotonin agonists.”

Most important fact about Frovatriptan succinate

Frova can quell migraine attacks once they’ve begun, but it won’t prevent them before they start. It should not be used for certain rare types of migraine called “hemiplegic migraine” or “basilar migraine,” and it is not recommended for the “cluster headaches” that tend to affect older men.

How should you take Frovatriptan succinate?

One Frova tablet can be taken any time after the onset of a headache. If the headache goes away and comes back you can take a second tablet after 2 hours. A third tablet can be taken 2 hours or more after the last dose. Do not take more than 3 tablets in one day.

• If you miss a dose…
  Frova is not for regular use. Take it only during an attack.

• Storage instructions…
  Store Frova tablets at room temperature away from moisture and light.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Frova

• Side effects may include:
  Bone pain, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, flushing, headache, hot or cold sensation, joint pain, tingling feeling

Why should Frovatriptan succinate not be prescribed?

If you have heart disease, you must avoid Frova. You also cannot take Frovatriptan succinate if you have had a stroke, suffer mini-strokes, or have any other kind of circulation problem. Avoid it, too, if you have high blood pressure that is not under control.

Remember that Frova should not be used for “hemiplegic migraine” or “basilar migraine.” Do not use it again if it causes an allergic reaction, and do not take it for 24 hours after using another serotonin agonist or an ergot-based migraine medication. Serotonin agonists include almotriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, and zolmitriptan. Ergot medications include such drugs as ergotamine and methylsergide.

Special warnings about Frovatriptan succinate

In people with heart disease, medications similar to Frova have been known to cause serious problems, including heart attacks and strokes. If you have heart disease, or know of any factors that make undetected heart disease a possibility, be sure to tell the doctor. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, excess weight, smoking, a history of heart disease in your family, and menopause in women or age over 40 in men.

If there’s any chance of a heart problem, your doctor may administer the first dose of Frova in the office and monitor your response. After later doses, call your doctor immediately if you develop pain, tightness, heaviness, and pressure in your throat, chest, neck, or jaw.

Frova is not recommended for children under age 18.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Frovatriptan succinate

Remember that Frova must never be combined with other serotonin-agonist or ergot-based migraine drugs. (See “Why should Frovatriptan succinate not be prescribed?”)

If Frova 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 Frova with the following:

Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs that boost serotonin levels, including fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and sertraline
Propranolol

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Frova has not been studied in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor right away so you can discuss your treatment options.

It is not known if Frova appears in breast milk. Caution is advised if you plan on nursing.

Recommended dosage for Frovatriptan succinate

ADULTS

Take one 2.5 milligram tablet with a liquid at the onset of headache. If one dose does not work, do not take a second dose, as it is not likely to work either.

If the headache comes back later, a second tablet can be taken 2 hours or more after the first tablet. Do not take more than three 2.5 milligram tablets in one day.

Overdosage

Although little is known about the effects of an overdose of Frova, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

FRUK-tose, DEX-trose, fos-FOR-ik AS-id

Available Dosage Forms:

• Syrup
• Solution
• Tablet

Therapeutic Class: Antiemetic

Uses For fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid

Fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid combination is used to treat nausea and vomiting. However, this combination has not been proven to be effective.

fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid is available without a prescription.

Before Using fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid

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 fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid 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

The fluid loss caused by vomiting may result in a severe condition, especially in children under 3 years of age. Do not give medicine for vomiting to children without first checking with their doctor.

Geriatric

The fluid loss caused by vomiting may result in a severe condition. Elderly persons should not take any medicine for vomiting without first checking with their doctor.

Pregnancy

	Pregnancy Category	Explanation
All Trimesters	C	Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

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 fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Appendicitis, symptoms of, or
• Inflamed bowel, symptoms of—Make sure nausea and vomiting are not due to appendicitis or inflamed bowel before using this product. These conditions may become more severe if they are not treated by your doctor

• Diabetes mellitus—The sugars contained in fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid may cause problems in diabetics

• Fructose intolerance, hereditary—The fructose in fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid may cause severe side effects in patients with this condition

Proper Use of fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid

For safe use of fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid:

• Follow your doctor’s instructions if fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid was prescribed.
• Follow the manufacturer’s package directions if you are treating yourself.

Do not dilute fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid with other liquids. Also, do not drink any other liquids immediately before or after taking fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid. To do so may keep fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid from working properly.

Dosing

The dose of fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid 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 fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid. 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 (oral solution):
  • For morning sickness:
    • Pregnant women: One or two tablespoonfuls upon arising and every three hours as needed.
  • For nausea:
    • Adults: One or two tablespoonfuls. Dose may be repeated every fifteen minutes until nausea stops. You should not take this product for more than one hour (5 doses) without checking with your doctor.
    • Children over 3 years of age: One or two teaspoonfuls. Dose may be repeated every fifteen minutes until nausea stops. This product should not be taken for more than one hour (5 doses) without checking with your doctor.
    • Children under 3 years of age: Use is not recommended.

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.

Precautions While Using fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid

Check with your doctor if your nausea and vomiting continue or become worse after you have taken fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid.

Do not take fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid if you have any signs of appendicitis or inflamed bowel (such as stomach or lower abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, soreness, or continuing or severe nausea or vomiting). Instead, check with your doctor as soon as possible.

fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid 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.

Stop taking fructose, dextrose, and phosphoric acid and get emergency help immediately if any of the following effects occur:

Signs of fructose intolerance

• Fainting
• swelling of face, arms, and legs
• unusual bleeding
• vomiting
• weight loss
• yellow eyes or skin

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 – more common with large doses

• Diarrhea
• stomach or abdominal pain

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.

The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.

The use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided “AS IS” and “as available” for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Reuters Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Reuters Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products.

Generic Name: multivitamin with iron (MUL tee VYE ta mins with i ron)
Brand Names:

What is Fruity Chews with Iron (multivitamin with iron)?

Multivitamin are a combination of many different vitamins that are normally found in foods and other natural sources.

Iron is normally found in foods like red meat. In the body, iron becomes a part of your hemoglobin (HEEM o glo bin) and myoglobin (MY o glo bin). Hemoglobin carries oxygen through your blood to tissues and organs. Myoglobin helps your muscle cells store oxygen.

Multivitamin and iron are used to provide vitamins and iron that are not taken in through the diet. They are also used to treat iron or vitamin deficiencies caused by illness, pregnancy, poor nutrition, digestive disorders, and many other conditions.

Multivitamin and iron may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Fruity Chews with Iron (multivitamin with iron)?

Never take more than the recommended dose of a multivitamin. Avoid taking any other multivitamin product within 2 hours before or after you take multivitamin with iron. Taking similar vitamin products together at the same time can result in a vitamin overdose or serious side effects. Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of vitamins A, D, E, or K can cause serious or life-threatening side effects. Iron and other minerals contained in a multivitamin can also cause serious overdose symptoms if you take too much.

Overdose symptoms may include severe stomach pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, coughing up blood, constipation, loss of appetite, hair loss, peeling skin, warmth or tingly feeling, changes in menstrual periods, weight loss, severe headache, muscle or joint pain, severe back pain, blood in your urine or stools, black and tarry stools, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, shallow breathing, weak and rapid pulse, pale skin, blue lips, and seizure (convulsions).

Do not take this medication with milk, other dairy products, calcium supplements, or antacids that contain calcium. Calcium may make it harder for your body to absorb certain ingredients of the multivitamin with iron.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Fruity Chews with Iron (multivitamin with iron)?

Iron and certain vitamins can cause serious or life-threatening side effects if taken in large doses. Do not take more of this medication than directed on the label or prescribed by your doctor.

If you have any medical conditions, ask your doctor before taking a multivitamin with iron. If you have certain conditions, you may need a certain vitamin formulation or special tests while taking this product.

Do not take multivitamin with iron without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Some vitamins and minerals can harm an unborn baby if taken in large doses. You may need to use a prenatal vitamin specially formulated for pregnant women. Multivitamin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Fruity Chews with Iron (multivitamin with iron)?

Use this medication as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Never take more than the recommended dose of multivitamin with iron. Avoid taking any other multivitamin product within 2 hours before or after you take multivitamin with iron. Taking similar vitamin products together at the same time can result in a vitamin overdose or serious side effects.

Many multivitamin products also contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Minerals (especially taken in large doses) can cause side effects such as tooth staining, increased urination, stomach bleeding, uneven heart rate, confusion, and muscle weakness or limp feeling. Read the label of any multivitamin product you take to make sure you are aware of what it contains.

Take your multivitamin with a full glass of water. You may take the multivitamin with food if it upsets your stomach.

The chewable tablet must be chewed or allowed to dissolve in the mouth before swallowing.

Measure the liquid form of this multivitamin using a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Liquid multivitamin may sometimes be mixed with water, fruit juice, or infant formula (but not milk or other dairy products). Follow the directions on the medicine label.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow the pill whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

It is important to take multivitamin with iron regularly to get the most benefit.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the liquid medicine from freezing.

Store multivitamin in their original container. Storing multivitamin in a glass container can ruin the medication.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of vitamins A, D, E, or K can cause serious or life-threatening side effects. Iron and other minerals contained in a multivitamin can also cause serious overdose symptoms.

Overdose symptoms may include severe stomach pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, coughing up blood, constipation, loss of appetite, hair loss, peeling skin, warmth or tingly feeling, changes in menstrual periods, weight loss, severe headache, muscle or joint pain, severe back pain, blood in your urine or stools, black and tarry stools, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, shallow breathing, weak and rapid pulse, pale skin, blue lips, and seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking Fruity Chews with Iron (multivitamin with iron)?

Avoid taking any other multivitamin product within 2 hours before or after you take multivitamin with iron. Taking similar vitamin products together at the same time can result in a vitamin overdose or serious side effects.

Avoid the regular use of salt substitutes in your diet if your multivitamin contains potassium. If you are on a low-salt diet, ask your doctor before taking a vitamin or mineral supplement.

Avoid taking an antibiotic medicine within 2 hours before or after you take multivitamin with iron. This is especially important if you are taking an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Adoxa, Doryx, Oracea, Vibramycin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn, Vectrin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), or tetracycline (Brodspec, Panmycin, Sumycin, Tetracap).

Certain foods can also make it harder for your body to absorb iron. Avoid taking this multivitamin within 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating fish, meat, liver, and whole grain or “fortified” breads or cereals.

Do not take this medication with milk, other dairy products, calcium supplements, or antacids that contain calcium. Calcium may make it harder for your body to absorb certain ingredients of the multivitamin.

Fruity Chews with Iron (multivitamin with iron) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor if you have serious side effects such as:

• bright red blood in your stools; or

• pain in your chest or throat when swallowing a ferrous fumarate tablet.

When taken as directed, multivitamin are not expected to cause serious side effects. Less serious side effects may include:

• constipation, diarrhea;

• nausea, vomiting, heartburn;

• stomach pain, upset stomach;

• black or dark-colored stools or urine;

• temporary staining of the teeth;

• headache; or

• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Fruity Chews with Iron (multivitamin with iron)?

Vitamin and mineral supplements can interact with certain medications, or affect how medications work in your body. Before taking multivitamin with iron, tell your doctor if you also use:

• acetohydroxamic acid (Lithostat);

• cimetidine (Tagamet);

• deferoxamine (Desferal);

• etidronate (Didronel);

• diuretics (water pills);

• heart or blood pressure medications;

• tretinoin (Vesanoid);

• isotretinoin (Accutane, Amnesteen, Clavaris, Sotret);

• dimercaprol (an injection used to treat poisoning by arsenic, lead, or mercury);

• penicillamine (Cuprimine);

• pancrelipase (Cotazym, Creon, Ilozyme, Pancrease, Ultrase);

• trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Cotrim, Bactrim, Septra, TMP/SMX); or

• an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis), and others.

This list is not complete and there may be other medications that can interact with or be affected by multivitamin with iron. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about multivitamin with iron.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. (‘Multum’) is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum’s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum’s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.01. Revision Date: 03/27/2009 5:13:40 PM.

Generic Name: fusidic acid (Oral route, Injection route)

fue-SID-ik AS-id

Commonly used brand name(s):

In Canada

• Fucidin Suspension

Available Dosage Forms:

• Suspension
• Syrup
• Powder for Solution
• Tablet, Enteric Coated

Uses For Fucidin Suspension

Fusidic acid is a substance that is used to treat bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

Fusidic acid is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Before Using Fucidin Suspension

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 this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine 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.

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

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Atorvastatin
• Ritonavir
• Saquinavir
• Simvastatin

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 this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Liver disease—May be worsened by fusidic acid

Proper Use of Fucidin Suspension

Dosing

The dose of this medicine 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 this medicine. 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):
  • Osteomyelitis (bone and joint infections) or skin and soft tissue infections:
    • Adults—500 mg (2 tablets) three times daily
• For oral dosage form (suspension):
  • Osteomyelitis (bone and joint infections) or skin and soft tissue infections:
    • Adults—15 milliliters three times daily
    • Children—Up to 1 year of age: 1 milliliter (mL) per kilogram DAILY divided into 3 equal doses; 1 to 5 years of age is 5 mL three times daily; 6 to 12 years of age is 10 mL three times daily.
• For injection dosage form:
  • Osteomyelitis (bone and joint infections) or skin and soft tissue infections:
    • Adults—500 milligrams three times daily
    • Children—Up to 1 year of age to 12 years: 20 milligrams/kilogram DAILY divided into 3 equal doses, infused over at least 2 hours.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, 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.

Precautions While Using Fucidin Suspension

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

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes nonprescription medicines, such as aspirin, and medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems.

Fucidin Suspension 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:

Rare

• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellow eyes or skin

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

• Loss of appetite
• nausea
• abdominal or stomach pain
• increase in bowel movements
• loose stools

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.

The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.

The use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided “AS IS” and “as available” for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Reuters Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Reuters Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products.