Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Cefoxitin for Injection USP
What is Cefoxitin for Injection USP used for?
Cefoxitin for Injection USP is used by doctors for treatment of infections in many different parts of the body.
Antibacterial drugs like Cefoxitin for Injection USP treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections.
How does Cefoxitin for Injection USP work?
Cefoxitin for Injection USP is an antibiotic, which belongs to a class of drugs called cephalosporins. Cefoxitin for Injection USP works by killing bacteria which cause infections in the body.
What are the ingredients in Cefoxitin for Injection USP?
Medicinal ingredients: cefoxitin sodium
Non-medicinal ingredients: none
Cefoxitin for Injection USP comes in the following dosage forms:
Sterile powder for injection: 1 g and 2 g cefoxitin per vial.
Do not use Cefoxitin for Injection USP if:
- You have had an allergic reaction to Cefoxitin for Injection USP or other medicines such as cephalosporins.
- You have meningitis, an infection that causes swelling the brain.
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take Cefoxitin for Injection USP. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- Have had an allergic reaction to Cefoxitin for Injection USP or other medicines such as penicillins
- Have a history of gastrointestinal disease, such as colitis
- Have severe kidney disease
Are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment
- Are breast feeding
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with Cefoxitin for Injection USP:
- aminoglycoside antibiotics.
How to take Cefoxitin for Injection USP:
CEFOXITIN FOR INJECTION USP will be administered by your doctor intravenously (into a vein) or intramuscularly (into a muscle).
- Do not use dark brown solution.
- Although you may feel better early in treatment, Cefoxitin for Injection USP should be used exactly as directed.
- Misuse or overuse of Cefoxitin for Injection USP could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by Cefoxitin for Injection USP (resistance). This means that Cefoxitin for Injection USP may not work for you in the future.
- Do not share your medicine.
Usual Dose:
The usual adult dose of Cefoxitin for Injection USP is 1 to 2 g every 6 to 8 hours.
What are possible side effects from using Cefoxitin for Injection USP?
These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking Cefoxitin for Injection USP. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.
Side effects include:
- pain or tenderness at the injection site
- rash
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
allergic reaction (difficulty in breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, face or tongue; hives or a rash) | √ | ||
| redness, or itching | √ | ||
severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea | √ | ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking Cefoxitin for Injection USP, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting
(https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect- canada/adverse-reaction-reporting.html) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
- Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
How to store Cefoxitin for Injection USP:
Store at a controlled room temperature (between 15°C and 25 ºC) and protect from light. Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about Cefoxitin for Injection USP:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/index-eng.jsp or by calling DISpedia, Apotex’s Drug Information Service at: 1-800-667-4708.
This leaflet can also be found at: http://www.apotex.ca/products.
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Date of Revision: January 14, 2019