Fusidic acid (Oral, Injection)

Fusidic acid is a medicine used to treat bacterial infections. It does not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

Fusidic acid is available only with your doctor's prescription.

If your symptoms do not get better within a few days or if they get worse, contact your doctor.

Do not take other medicines unless you have talked about them with your doctor. This includes nonprescription medicines like aspirin, as well as medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus issues.

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the benefits. This is a decision you and your doctor will make together. For this medicine, consider the following:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these situations, your doctor may want to adjust the dose or take other precautions. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional knows if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been chosen based on their potential importance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Atorvastatin
• Cholera Vaccine, Live
• Methotrexate
• Pravastatin
• Ritonavir
• Saquinavir
• Simvastatin

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Liver disease—May be worsened by fusidic acid

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may happen, if they do, you might need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Abdominal or stomach pain
• Increase in bowel movements
• Loose stools

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your health care professional.

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

In Canada

• Fucidin Suspension

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (tablets): Osteomyelitis (bone and joint infections) or skin and soft tissue infections: Adults—500 mg (2 tablets) three times daily
• For oral dosage form (suspension):Osteomyelitis (bone and joint infections) or skin and soft tissue infections: Adults—15 milliliters three times daily Children—Up to 1 year of age: 1 milliliter (mL) per kilogram DAILY divided into 3 equal doses; 1 to 5 years of age is 5 mL three times daily; 6 to 12 years of age is 10 mL three times daily.
• For injection dosage form:Osteomyelitis (bone and joint infections) or skin and soft tissue infections: Adults—500 milligrams three times daily Children—Up to 1 year of age to 12 years: 20 milligrams/kilogram DAILY divided into 3 equal doses, infused over at least 2 hours.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.