Warnings & Recalls for Avelox
Avelox Black Box Warning
In April 2009, the FDA approved safety labeling changes to warn patients about possible harm to tendons while taking Avelox. Avelox can cause tendon problems, inflammation or breakdown, particularly in the Achilles' tendon. If you have any strange muscle or joint symptoms stop taking Avelox and call your doctor immediately. Patients with a higher risk of developing tendinitis include:
- elderly patients
- persons with kidney, heart or lung transplants
- people who already have muscle or joint problems
Avelox and Pregnancy
Avelox has been assigned as a U.S. Food and Drug Administration
pregnancy Category C drug. It has not been confirmed if Avelox could cause harm to a fetus if taken during pregnancy or if it could transfer through breast-milk and harm a nursing baby. Avelox
should not be taken while breastfeeding.
Do not use Avelox without letting your doctor know if you are
pregnant,
may become pregnant or are
breastfeeding.
General Warnings
Patients with a history of
myasthenia gravis (muscle breakdown disorder) or any
allergies to medicines similar to Avelox
should not use Avelox as a treatment.
Let your doctor know if you have any of the following conditions before using Avelox as a treatment for your infection:
- allergies
- a heart beat problem
- if you have ever had seizures
- kidney or liver disease, or problems with your liver function
- muscle or joint conditions
- any breathing problems
- abnormally low amounts of potassium
- if you or anyone in your family has a history of "Long QT syndrome" (LQTS)
Do not use tanning beds while you are taking Avelox and avoid direct sunlight. If you must go outside, use protective clothing and sunblock or sunscreen.
Do not operate a vehicle or machinery until you know how you will react to Avelox
Avelox Interactions
It is important to
let your doctor know about any drugs you may be using while taking Avelox as a treatment. The following
could interact with this medication:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- certain antacids
- corticosteroids
- HIV or AIDS medicines
- blood thinners such as Warfarin
- any vitamin or medicine with aluminum, calcium, magnesium, zinc or iron ingredients
- typhoid vaccines
- antibiotics or antimalaria drugs
- medications for treating mental illnesses
- narcotics
- migraine relievers
- medicines or high blood pressure
- treatments for ulcers
Avelox Treatment and Use
Avelox | Moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic marketed by Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals for treating various infections caused by bacteria. Avelox has been used in the United States since 1999. Avelox may be prescribed for treating:
- respiratory infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis
- sinus infections
- abdominal infections
- skin infections
Avelox does not fight against the common cold or the flu.
How Does Avelox Work?
Avelox works by interfering with the bacteria’s ability to attack and contaminate DNA cells. This stops the infection from multiplying and kills bacteria.
How to Take Avelox
Avelox comes in tablet form to be taken orally. Take Avelox with a full glass of water, with or without food. Do not use a different amount of Avelox than prescribed and do not stop taking Avelox without consent from your doctor. Ending treatment early could result in the infection returning and becoming stronger or more resistant to medicines.
Avelox is usually recommended to be taken once each day for between 5 days and 3 weeks or until the infection is treated.
If your symptoms are not reduced within several days of taking Avelox tell your doctor. Let your doctor know immediately if your symptoms worsen.
