Medications and Drugs

Brand Names: Factive

Generic Name: gemifloxacin (Pronunciation: JEM i FLOX a sin)

What is gemifloxacin (Factive)?

Gemifloxacin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Gemifloxacin fights bacteria in the body.

Gemifloxacin is used to treat different types of bacterial infections.

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

What are the possible side effects of gemifloxacin (Factive)?

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.

Stop using gemifloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat;
sudden pain, snapping or popping sound, bruising, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or loss of movement in any of your joints;
diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
confusion, hallucinations, depression, unusual thoughts or behavior;
seizure (convulsions);
pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, weakness;
upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
urinating less than usual or not at all;
easy bruising or bleeding;
numbness, burning, tingling, or unusual pain anywhere in your body;
the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild; or
severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting;
dizziness or drowsiness;
blurred vision;
muscle pain;
feeling nervous, anxious, or restless; or
sleep problems (insomnia or nightmares).

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 is the most important information I should know about gemifloxacin (Factive)?

You should not use this medication if you have a history of myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to gemifloxacin or similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.

Before taking gemifloxacin, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder, kidney disease, joint problems, muscle weakness or trouble breathing, a history of seizures, low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood, a nerve disorder or history of circulation problems, a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic.

Avoid taking antacids, vitamin or mineral supplements, sucralfate (Carafate), or didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets within 6 hours before or 2 hours after you take gemifloxacin.

Gemifloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking gemifloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions.

Do not share this medication with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you do.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gemifloxacin (Factive)?»

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.