Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Levaquin 5mg/mL
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
LEVAQUIN® is from a group of antibiotics known as quinolones. LEVAQUIN® is used to treat adults with certain lung, sinus, skin and urinary tract infections caused by certain germs called bacteria.
What it does:
LEVAQUIN® has been shown, in a large number of clinical trials, to be effective for the treatment of bacterial infections. LEVAQUIN® interferes with bacterial enzymes to prevent bacterial growth, thereby killing many types of bacteria that can infect the lungs, sinus, skin, and urinary tract.
Sometimes, viruses rather than bacteria may infect the lungs and sinuses (for example, the common cold). LEVAQUIN®, like other antibiotics, does not kill viruses.
When it should not be used:
You should not take LEVAQUIN® if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the group of antibiotics known as quinolones, or to any of the nonmedicinal ingredients (see What the nonmedicinal ingredients are). This includes antibiotics such as ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin hydrochloride, gatifloxacin and norfloxacin. If you have had any reaction to quinolones, you should discuss this with your doctor.
You should not take LEVAQUIN® if you have had tendinitis or tendon rupture while taking quinolone antibiotics.
What the medicinal ingredient is:
LEVAQUIN® contains the active (medicinal) ingredient levofloxacin.
What the nonmedicinal ingredients are:
Tablets
All LEVAQUIN® tablets contain hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, crospovidone, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate,
polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide and polysorbate 80. In addition, the 250 mg tablets also contain synthetic red iron oxide, and the 500 mg tablets also contain synthetic red and yellow iron oxides.
Injection
dextrose, water for injection
Solutions of hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may have been added to adjust the pH.
What dosage forms it comes in:
LEVAQUIN® tablets are available in 250 mg, 500 mg or 750 mg strengths. LEVAQUIN® tablets are terra cotta pink for the 250 mg tablet, peach coloured for the 500 mg tablet, or white for the 750 mg tablet.
LEVAQUIN® injection is available in a single-use flexible container, containing a premixed, ready-to-use levofloxacin solution:
- Containers of 100 mL capacity containing 50 or 100 mL of premixed solution.
- Containers of 150 mL capacity containing 150 mL premixed solution.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Serious Warnings and Precautions
- LEVAQUIN® has been shown to lengthen the heartbeat on an electrocardiogram test (QT interval prolongation).
- Serious hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions, sometimes fatal, have been reported in some patients receiving quinolone therapy, including LEVAQUIN®.
- Seizures may occur with quinolone therapy. Tell your doctor if you have any central nervous system problems (i.e., epilepsy). Your doctor will determine whether you should use this medication.
- Fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUIN®, may worsen muscle weakness in persons with myasthenia gravis. Do not use LEVAQUIN® if you have or have had myasthenia gravis.
- Fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUIN®, are associated with an increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture in all ages. This risk is further increased in older patients usually over 60 years of age, in patients taking corticosteroid drugs, and in patients with kidney, heart or lung transplants.
See SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM.
BEFORE you use LEVAQUIN® talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:
- you have decreased kidney function
- you have epilepsy or have a history of seizures (convulsions)
- you have had any problems with your heart rhythm, heart rate, or problems with low potassium
- you are taking anti-diabetic medications as LEVAQUIN® may interfere with blood sugar levels
- you have a disease that causes muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis)
- you experience any symptoms of muscle weakness, including breathing difficulties (e.g., shortness of breath)
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
Before taking LEVAQUIN®, make sure you tell your doctor and pharmacist all the medications you are taking. Do not start a new medicine without first consulting a doctor or pharmacist.
It is important to let your doctor know all of the medicines you are using including some medications for arthritis (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), blood sugar medicines, drugs for any heart condition, and non-prescription drugs, because LEVAQUIN® may react with certain medications.
Taking warfarin and LEVAQUIN® together can further predispose you to the development of bleeding problems. If you take warfarin, be sure to tell your doctor.
Many multi-vitamin/mineral combinations and antacids, containing calcium, magnesium, aluminum, iron, zinc and sucralfate may interfere with the absorption of LEVAQUIN® and may prevent it from working properly. You should take LEVAQUIN® either two hours before or two hours after taking these products.
Some medicines such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol, cisapride¶, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, and other medications may produce an effect on the electrocardiogram test. The risk of developing abnormal heartbeat may be increased when LEVAQUIN® is taken with any of these medications. Do not take any of these medications with LEVAQUIN® unless your doctor tells you that it is alright.
¶ No longer marketed in Canada.
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
Usual adult dose:
LEVAQUIN® tablets should be taken once a day for 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 or 28 days depending on your condition.
Each tablet should be swallowed whole and may be taken with or without food. Try to take the tablet at the same time each day and drink fluids liberally, to maintain a hydrated condition.
LEVAQUIN® injection is to be administered intravenously.
You may begin to feel better quickly; however, in order to make sure that you are getting the full, sustained benefits from your medication so that your infection does not return, you should complete the full course of medication.
Overdose:
In case of drug overdose, contact a healthcare practitioner (e.g., doctor), hospital emergency department, or regional
poison control centre, even if there are no symptoms.
Missed dose:
Do not take more than the prescribed dose of LEVAQUIN® even if you missed a dose by mistake. You should not take a double dose.
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
LEVAQUIN® is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects caused by LEVAQUIN®, which are usually mild, include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, dizziness, flatulence, rash, headache, difficulty in sleeping, and vaginitis in women. However, allergic reactions have been reported in patients receiving quinolones, including LEVAQUIN® tablets, even after just one dose. If you develop hives, itching, skin rash, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling in the face, tongue or throat, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction, you should stop taking this medication and call your doctor.
LEVAQUIN® may be associated with dizziness. You should know how you react to this drug before you operate an automobile, or machinery, or perform other activities requiring mental alertness or co-ordination.
Pain, swelling and tears of shoulder, hand, or Achilles tendons have been reported in patients receiving quinolones, including LEVAQUIN®. The risk of tendon effects is higher if you are over 65 years old, and especially of you are taking corticosteroids. If you develop pain, swelling, or rupture of a tendon you should stop taking LEVAQUIN®, rest, avoid exercise and strenuous use of the affected area and contact your doctor.
Convulsions have been reported in patients receiving quinolone antibiotics including LEVAQUIN®. If you have experienced convulsions in the past, be sure to let your physician know that you have a history of convulsions.
Quinolones, including LEVAQUIN®, may also cause central nervous system stimulation which may lead to tremors, restlessness, anxiety, lightheadedness, confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, depression, nightmares, insomnia and, rarely, suicidal thoughts or acts. If you have suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor.
Neuropathy (problems in the nerves) has been reported in patients receiving quinolones, including LEVAQUIN® tablets. Peripheral neuropathy may be irreversible. If neuropathy symptoms occur such as pain, burning, tingling, numbness, weakness, or other alterations of sensation (including feelings of vibration, temperature or touch sensitivity), you should stop taking LEVAQUIN® tablets and contact your doctor immediately.
Sun sensitivity (photosensitivity), which can appear as skin eruption or severe sunburn, can occur in some patients taking quinolone antibiotics after exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet (UV) light (e.g., tanning beds). LEVAQUIN® has been
infrequently associated with phototoxicity. You should avoid excessive exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light while you are taking LEVAQUIN®. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing if out in the sun. If photosensitivity develops, contact your doctor.
If you have diabetes and you develop a hypoglycemic reaction (low blood sugar) while taking LEVAQUIN® tablets, you should stop taking LEVAQUIN® tablets and call your doctor. Hypoglycemic coma has been observed in diabetic patients and deaths have occurred. Hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic (high and low blood sugar respectively) reactions have also been reported in patients without diabetes. Common symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) include excessive thirst or excessive urination. Common symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) include dizziness, excessive hunger, lack of coordination, headache, fatigue, or fainting. You should call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Problems with the liver, including fatal cases, have been reported in patients taking LEVAQUIN®. The symptoms of hepatic impairment are non-specific and include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, weakness, abdominal pain or tenderness, loss of appetite, itching, unusual or unexplained tiredness, light coloured bowel movements and dark coloured urine. In more severe cases, these symptoms are followed by jaundice (yellowing of the skin) and/or icterus (yellowing of the eyes). Call your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Some quinolones have been associated with lengthening of the heartbeat on an electrocardiogram test, and with abnormal heart rhythm. Very rare cases of abnormal heartbeat have been reported in patients while on LEVAQUIN®, but these reports generally involved patients who had conditions that predisposed them to abnormal heart beat, or who have been taking other medicines that increase the risk of developing abnormal heartbeat. If you develop heart palpitations (fast beating) or have fainting spells, you should stop taking LEVAQUIN® and call your doctor.
Eye abnormalities and abnormal vision have been reported in patients being treated with quinolones. The relationship of the drugs to these events has not been established.
Diarrhea that usually ends after treatment is a common problem caused by antibiotics. A more serious form of diarrhea can occur during or up to 2 months after the use of antibiotics. This has been reported with all antibiotics including with LEVAQUIN® tablets. If you develop a watery and bloody stool with or without stomach cramps and fever, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Fluoroquinolones like LEVAQUIN® may cause worsening of myasthenia gravis symptoms, including muscle weakness and breathing problems. If you have or have had myasthenia gravis, do not use LEVAQUIN®.
These are not all the side effects that have been reported with LEVAQUIN®. If you notice any side effects not mentioned in
this leaflet, or you have concerns about the side effects you are experiencing, please inform your doctor.
| SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, HOW OFTEN THEY | ||||
| HAPPEN AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM | ||||
| Symptom/Effect | Talk to your doctor or pharmacist | Stop taking drug and call your doctor or pharmacist | ||
| Rare | ||||
| Heart palpitations (fast beating) or fainting spells | ✓ | |||
| Tendon pain, swelling or rupture | ✓ | |||
| Worsening muscle weakness or breathing problems | ✓ | |||
Symptoms of allergic reaction
| ✓ | |||
Symptoms of neuropathy
| ✓ | |||
| If you have diabetes and you develop a hypoglycemic reaction | ✓ | |||
Symptoms of hypoglycemia
| ✓ | |||
Symptoms of hyperglycemia
| ✓ | |||
Symptoms of liver problems
| ✓ | |||
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking LEVAQUIN®, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
HOW TO STORE IT
Tablets: Store at room temperature (15°–30°C) in well-closed containers.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not use after the expiry date. Generally, all expired medications should be returned to your pharmacist.
REPORTING SUSPECTED SIDE EFFECTS
You can report any suspected adverse reactions associated with the use of health products to the Canada Vigilance Program by one of the following 3 ways:
- Report online at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect
- Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345
Complete a Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and:
- Fax toll-free to 1-866-678-6789, or
Mail to: Canada Vigilance Program Health Canada
Postal Locator 0701E
Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9
Postage paid labels, Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and the adverse reaction reporting guidelines are available on the MedEffect® Canada Web site at
www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect.
NOTE: Should you require information related to the management of side effects, contact your health professional. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
MORE INFORMATION
This document plus the full Product Monograph, prepared for health professionals can be found at:
http://www.janssen.ca
or by contacting the sponsor, Janssen Inc., at: 1-800-567-3331 or 1-800-387-8781.
Janssen Inc.
Toronto, Ontario M3C 1L9