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Quinupristin/Dalfopristin

Quinupristin/Dalfopristin is used for:

Treating serious or life-threatening infections caused by certain bacteria. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Quinupristin/Dalfopristin is a streptogramin antibiotic. It works by blocking the production of proteins needed by the bacteria to survive.

Do NOT use Quinupristin/Dalfopristin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Quinupristin/Dalfopristin or to streptogramins (eg, pristinamycin)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Quinupristin/Dalfopristin :

Some medical conditions may interact with Quinupristin/Dalfopristin . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have liver or kidney problems, colitis (eg, antibiotic-associated, pseudomembranous), HIV infection, or a heart condition

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Quinupristin/Dalfopristin . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Cyclosporine, midazolam, or nifedipine because side effects or toxic effects may be increased by Quinupristin/Dalfopristin
• Many medicines (eg, used for infection; allergies; HIV infection; cancer; anxiety or sleep; angina, irregular heartbeat, or high blood pressure; high cholesterol; stomach problems; asthma; seizures; medicine to decrease the immune system) have possible side effects or toxic effects that may be increased by Quinupristin/Dalfopristin

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Quinupristin/Dalfopristin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Quinupristin/Dalfopristin :

Use Quinupristin/Dalfopristin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Quinupristin/Dalfopristin is usually administered as an injection at your doctor"s office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Quinupristin/Dalfopristin at home, carefully follow the injection procedure taught to you by your health care provider.
• If Quinupristin/Dalfopristin contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• To clear up your infection completely, continue using Quinupristin/Dalfopristin for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container and properly disposing of the container when it is full.
• If you miss a dose of Quinupristin/Dalfopristin , use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Quinupristin/Dalfopristin .

Important safety information:

• Quinupristin/Dalfopristin may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Quinupristin/Dalfopristin . Using Quinupristin/Dalfopristin alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• If severe diarrhea, stomach pain/cramps, or bloody stools occur, contact your doctor immediately. This could be a symptom of a serious side effect requiring immediate medical attention. Do not treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor.
• Quinupristin/Dalfopristin is effective only against bacteria. It is not effective for treating viral infections (eg, the common cold).
• It is important to use Quinupristin/Dalfopristin for the full course of treatment. Failure to do so may decrease the effectiveness of Quinupristin/Dalfopristin and may increase the risk that the bacteria will no longer be sensitive to Quinupristin/Dalfopristin and will not be able to be treated by this or certain other antibiotics in the future.
• Long-term or repeated use of Quinupristin/Dalfopristin may cause a second infection. Your doctor may want to change your medicine to treat the second infection. Contact your doctor if signs of a second infection occur.
• LAB TESTS may be required to monitor therapy or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Quinupristin/Dalfopristin should be used with caution in CHILDREN younger than 16 years of age. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed in this age group.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Quinupristin/Dalfopristin during pregnancy. It is unknown if Quinupristin/Dalfopristin is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Quinupristin/Dalfopristin , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Quinupristin/Dalfopristin :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Joint pain; muscle pain; nausea; pain, swelling, itching, or burning at the injection site; secondary infection.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; chest pain; confusion; cramps; diarrhea; dizziness; fast heartbeat; fatigue; loss of appetite; personality changes; seizures; severe muscle or joint pain; shakiness; sudden onset of a cold sweat; vision changes; vomiting; weight loss; yellowing of skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include loss of coordination; tremors; trouble breathing; vomiting.

Store unopened vials in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Keep Quinupristin/Dalfopristin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Quinupristin/Dalfopristin , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Quinupristin/Dalfopristin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Quinupristin/Dalfopristin . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.