Fidaxomicin, Oral

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is taken by mouth to treat diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile bacteria. Take it exactly as directed.
• This medicine may cause unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• Do not take any other medicines for diarrhea unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

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What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antibiotic

Generic and brand names: fidaxomicin, oral; Dificid

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile bacteria. It will not cure infections caused by other bacteria or viruses.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Take the medicine for as long as prescribed, even if you feel better. If you stop taking the medicine too soon, the infection may not be completely gone.

Check with your healthcare provider before using this medicine in children under age 18.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

What should I watch out for?

Do not take any other medicines for diarrhea unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

This medicine may lower the number of certain types of blood cells in your body. You may get infections or bleed more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Do not have any vaccine without getting your healthcare provider’s approval first. If you develop a fever or other signs of an infection, or have any unusual bruising or bleeding, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away.): Severe abdominal pain or bloating, severe constipation, fever, chills, sore throat, fast heartbeat, black or tarry bowel movements, severe vomiting or nausea, bloody vomit, unusual tiredness or weakness, unusual bruising or bleeding.

Other: Stomach pain, gas, headache, mild nausea or vomiting, heartburn.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. Tell your provider if you have recently been taking antibiotics.

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.