Fidaxomicin (fye-dax-oh-MYE-sin)

Treats Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). This medicine is a macrolide antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Dificid

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Suspension, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Oral suspension: Remove the bottle of mixed suspension from the refrigerator 15 minutes before using it and shake it well. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the mixed suspension in the refrigerator for up to 12 days. Throw away any unused medicine after 12 days.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or any allergy to macrolide antibiotics.
• Do not take any medicine to treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor. Diarrhea medicines may make the diarrhea worse or make it last longer.
• Use this medicine only to treat the infection your doctor has prescribed it for. Do not use this medicine for any infection or condition that has not been checked by a doctor. This medicine will not treat the flu or the common cold.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Severe constipation, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild nausea, vomiting, gas, stomach upset

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088