Dificid

1 What is Dificid?

Brand: Dificid

Generic: Fidaxomicin

Dificid is used to treat adults with Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). Dificid belongs to a group of medications known as macrolide antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth.

This medication will not work for colds, flu or other viral infections. This medication is only available with your doctor’s prescription. This medication is available in the following forms:

  • Tablet

2 What to Know Before Using

As with all medicines, the risks must be compared to how much a medication will help you. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together.

For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:

Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.

Pediatric: No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric: Up-to-date studies have not shown any problems specific to the elderly that would limit the use of this medication in the elderly population.

Pregnancy: This medication is listed as Pregnancy Category B. This means that animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the unborn baby, however, there are are no studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the unborn baby, but studies in pregnant women have not shown a risk to the unborn baby.

Breastfeeding: There are no up-to-date studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential risks with the benefits before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions: Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions. When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription or over the counter medications.

Other Interactions: Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in case of negative interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medications may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems: Pre-existing medical problems may affect the use of this medication.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

  • Infection, systemic - Should not be used to treat systemic infections.

3 Proper Usage

Proper usage of Dificid requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. Do not take more, less or for a longer or shorter period of time than your doctor tells you.

This medication comes with a patient information brochure. It is very important that your read this information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. This medication may be taken with or without food.

To help clear your infection completely, continue using this medication for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. If you stop using this medication too soon, the infection may return.

Dosing: Different patients will be given a different dose of this medication based on the strength of the medication. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take this medication depends on the reason you are taking this medication.

The following information only includes the average dose of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it without first speaking to your doctor.

  • Adults - 200mg twice a day for 10 days.
  • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose.

Storage: Store this medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep it away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.

Keep our of the reach of children. Do not keep expired medication or medication you no longer need. Ask your doctor how to dispose of any medication you do not use.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using Dificid, there are some precautions you must take. It is very important that your doctor checks in with you often while you are receiving this medication to make sure that it is working 

properly.

Do not take other prescription or over-the-counter medications without asking your doctor. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days after you begin this medication, or if they become worse, inform your doctor.

5 Potential Side Effects

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Dificid. Although not all of these side-effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side-effects:

Less common:

  • Abdominal or stomach pain
  • Bloating
  • Bloody or black, tarry stools
  • Chills
  • Confusion
  • Constipation
  • Cough
  • Drowsiness
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lower back or side pain
  • Muscle tremors
  • Nausea
  • Painful or difficult urination
  • Pale skin
  • Rapid, deep breathing
  • Restlessness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sore throat
  • Stomach cramps
  • Troubled breathing with exertion
  • Ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Unusual fatigue or weakness
  • Vomiting
  • Vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Some side effects that may occur do not normally need medical attention. These may leave as your body becomes accustomed to treatment. Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Talk to your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome, or if you have questions:

Less common:

  • Abdominal or stomach distention or tenderness
  • Acid or sour stomach
  • Belching
  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Dry mouth
  • Excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
  • Flushed, dry skin
  • Fruit-like breath odor
  • Full feeling
  • Heartburn
  • Increased hunger
  • Increased thirst (polydipsia)
  • Increased urination (polyuria)
  • Indigestion
  • Itching skin
  • Passing gas
  • Rash
  • Stomach discomfort or upset
  • Sweating
  • Trouble breathing
  • Unexplained weight loss

Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any other side effects. Ask your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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