Uses
Tigecycline is used to treat certain serious bacterial infections when other antibiotics may not work. It is related to a class of drugs known as tetracycline antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.
How To Use
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using tigecycline and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into a vein over 30 to 60 minutes by a healthcare professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Swirl the medication gently to mix. Do not shake. The mixed medication should be yellow to orange in color. Before using, check this product visually for particles or green/black discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
For the best effect, use this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, use this medication at the same times every day.
Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, or pain/swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)
- unusual tiredness
- hearing changes (such as ringing in the ears, decreased hearing)
- irregular heartbeat
- easy bleeding/bruising
- signs of liver disease (such as yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain)
Tetracycline drugs such as tigecycline may rarely cause increased pressure around the brain (intracranial hypertension-IH). The risk of this side effect is greater for women of childbearing age who are overweight or who have had IH in the past. If IH develops, it usually goes away after tigecycline is stopped; however, there is a chance of permanent vision loss or blindness. Get medical help right away if you have:
- headaches that are severe or don't go away
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- vision changes (such as blurred/double vision, decreased vision, sudden blindness)
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop:
- diarrhea that doesn't stop
- abdominal or stomach pain/cramping
- blood/mucus in your stool
If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.
Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
See also Side Effects section.
Before using tigecycline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to tetracyclines (such as doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Tigecycline may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using tigecycline before having any immunizations/vaccinations.
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Children younger than 8 years may be more sensitive to the side effects of tigecycline, especially tooth discoloration. Tooth discoloration has also occurred in older children and in young adults. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with the doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using tigecycline. Tigecycline may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug are:
- retinoid medications taken by mouth (such as acitretin, isotretinoin)
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver function, fibrinogen levels, blood counts, cultures) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
