This medication is an antibiotic used to treat bladder
infections (such as acute cystitis or lower urinary tract infections) in
women. 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.
Fosfomycin should not be used to treat infections
outside the bladder (such as kidney infections).
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking fosfomycin. If you have any
questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your
doctor, usually 1 packet (sachet) as a single dose. Mix this drug with
water before taking it. Pour the contents of 1 packet (sachet) into a half
glass (4 ounces or 120 milliliters) of cold water and stir to dissolve. Do
not use warm or hot water. Drink all of the mixture right
away.
Your symptoms should get better within 2 to 3 days. Tell
your doctor if you do not get better after 3 days or if you get
worse.
Diarrhea, nausea, headache, vaginal discomfort, or
dizziness 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:
- vision changes
- unusual weakness
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.
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.
Before taking fosfomycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; 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:
If you develop symptoms of a kidney infection (such as
pain in your side or lower back area, fever, chills), contact your doctor
right away. Your doctor may change your treatment.
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).
This product may contain sugar and/or aspartame. Caution
is advised if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other
condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product
safely.
Fosfomycin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as
typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that
you are using fosfomycin before having any
immunizations/vaccinations.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk in small amounts, but
is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
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
include:
- metoclopramide
- probenecid
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 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
hearing loss, metallic taste.
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 urine culture) may be
done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. 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.