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

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

To make sure you can safely take gemifloxacin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• heart rhythm disorder, especially if you take amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), dofetilide (Tikosyn), disopyramide (Norpace), ibutilide (Corvert), procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl), propafenone (Rythmol), quinidine (Quin-G), or sotalol (Betapace);
• a history of allergic reaction to an antibiotic;
• joint problems;
• kidney disease;
• epilepsy or a history of seizures;
• low blood levels of potassium (hypokalemia) or magnesium (hypomagnesemia);
• muscle weakness or trouble breathing;
• a nerve disorder or history of circulation problems; or
• a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether gemifloxacin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Gemifloxacin may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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.

How should I take gemifloxacin (Factive)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take gemifloxacin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day while you are taking gemifloxacin.

Gemifloxacin may be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time each day.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Gemifloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

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