Consumer Information for: PRIVA-MOXIFLOXACIN

Consumer Information

Information about the product including what the product is used for, dosage, warnings, proper use and side effects. This summary will not tell you everything about the product. Contact your healthcare professional if you have any questions about the product.


What the medication is used for

Your doctor has prescribed Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN because you have a certain type of bacterial infection.

What it does

Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN is an antibiotic. It kills many of the types of bacteria that can infect the lungs, sinuses, abdomen, and skin.

When it should not be used

Do not use Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN if you are allergic to moxifloxacin, other quinolone antibiotics or to any nonmedicinal ingredient in this product (see What the nonmedicinal ingredients are).

What the medicinal ingredient is

Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN tablets contain 400 mg of moxifloxacin as moxifloxacin hydrochloride (active ingredient).

What the non-medicinal ingredients are

Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN tablets are composed of the following non-medicinal ingredients: Croscarmellose Sodium, Lactose Monohydrate, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose and Opadry Pink.

What dosage form it comes in

Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN tablets are available as capsule shaped dull red colored film coated tablets debossed with M400 on one side and plain on the other side.

Warnings and precautions

Serious Warnings and Precautions

  • Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN 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 Priva- MOXIFLOXACIN.
  • If you have myasthenia gravis, treatment with Priva- MOXIFLOXACIN may make your condition worse. Do not use Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN if you have this condition.
  • Quinolones, including Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN, are associated with an increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture in all ages. Speak to your doctor to determine if this medication is suitable for you.
  • Seizures and toxic psychoses may occur with quinolone therapy. Tell your doctor if you have any central nervous system problems (ie, epilepsy). Your doctor will determine whether you should use this medication.
  • Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN can cause liver injury which may be fatal.

See also SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM.

BEFORE you use Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN talk to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following apply to you:

  • people are born with a rare condition which results in lengthening of the heartbeat on an electrocardiogram test (QT interval prolongation). If you or any of your family members have this condition, you should inform your health care professional.
  • You should avoid taking Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN with certain medicines used to treat an abnormal heartbeat. These include quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, or sotalol. Inform your health care professional if you are taking a heart rhythm drug.
  • You have or have had heart problems such as heart failure, an irregular heartbeat, or a slow heartbeat.
  • Some medicines such as cisapridea, erythromycin, antipsychotics and tricyclic antidepressants may also produce an effect on an electrocardiogram test. These may increase the risk of abnormal heartbeats when taken with Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN. For this reason, it is important to let your health care provider know all of the medicines that you are using (including non-prescription medicines).
  • You should avoid Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN if your doctor has told you that the amount of potassium in your blood is low. Low potassium can sometimes be caused by medicines called diuretics such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide. If you are taking a diuretic medicine you should speak with your health care professional.
  • If you have a history of seizures, notify your doctor before you start taking this drug.
  • You should tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of the quinolone drugs or any of the non-medicinal ingredients in Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN.
  • Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN may be associated with allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions, even after a single dose. Stop taking the drug at the first sign of a skin rash or other signs of an allergic reaction and tell your doctor.
  • Please tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or if you are breast feeding. Priva- MOXIFLOXACIN is not recommended for use during pregnancy or nursing, as the effects on the unborn child or nursing infant are unknown.
  • Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN is not recommended for persons less than 18 years of age.
  • You should not use Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN if you have a history of tendon problems associated with the use of a quinolone antibiotic.
  • You have a condition known as myasthenia gravis. With this condition, your muscles get weaker with physical activity and improve after periods of rest.
  • You have diabetes and are taking anti-diabetic medications. Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN may interfere with blood sugar levels. Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN may also interfere with blood sugar levels in those without diabetes.

a no longer marketed in Canada

Interactions with this medication

Talk to your doctor before taking any of the following medications as drug interactions and side effects may occur and they may not be suitable for you. See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM.

Drugs that may interact with Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN include:

  • Antacids or vitamin/mineral supplements
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Antidiabetic medicines (eg, insulin, glyburide, glibenclamide)
  • Quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol, cisaprideb, erythromycin, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide).

b no longer marketed in Canada

Proper use of this medication

Usual Dose

  • You must take Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN exactly as prescribed by your doctor. YOU SHOULD NOT INCREASE THE PRESCRIBED DOSE.
  • The recommended adult dose of Priva- MOXIFLOXACIN is one 400 mg tablet once a day.
  • Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN may be taken with or without food.
  • Do not crush or chew Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN tablets. Swallow each one whole with a drink of water.
  • You should drink lots of fluids while taking Priva- MOXIFLOXACIN
  • Avoid excessive sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light (eg, sunlamps) during treatment with Priva- MOXIFLOXACIN and for one day following completion of treatment. If a sunburn-like reaction or skin eruptions occur, contact your doctor.
  • Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN may cause dizziness and lightheadedness. You should know how you react to this drug before you operate an automobile or machinery or engage in activities requiring mental alertness or coordination.
  • If you are taking antacids or vitamin/mineral supplements while on Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN treatment, you should take Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN at least 4 hours before or 8 hours after taking a mineral supplement or a vitamin supplement that also contains minerals, or an antacid containing magnesium or aluminium.
  • The usual length of treatment with Priva- MOXIFLOXACIN is 5-10 days. During the course of treatment, all tablets must be taken to make sure that all bacteria have been killed. CONTINUE TAKING THE TABLETS UNTIL THEY ARE FINISHED, EVEN IF YOU BEGIN TO FEEL BETTER.

Overdose

In case of drug overdosage, contact your healthcare practitioner, hospital emergency department or regional poison control centre, even if there are no symptoms.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take a dose, take another as soon as possible. Continue with the next dose 24 hours later. Do not take two doses in any 24 hour period.

Stopped Treatment:

If your doctor decides to stop the treatment, do not keep any left over medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Please discard all unused Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN tablets.

Side effects and what to do about them

Although most people do not have a problem with side effects when taking Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Discontinue your medicine and contact your doctor at the first sign of rash, hives or skin eruptions, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty in breathing or swallowing or any other symptom of an allergic reaction. Do not take any more medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. Your doctor may decide to stop your treatment.

Contact your health care professional and stop taking the drug if you develop an irregular heartbeat or have fainting spells.

Quinolones, a class of antibiotics including Priva- MOXIFLOXACIN, have been rarely associated with inflammation of the tendons. If you experience pain, swelling or rupture of a tendon, you should stop taking Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN (moxifloxacin hydrochloride), rest, avoid physical exercise and call your health professional.

Treatment with a quinolone antibiotic, including Priva- MOXIFLOXACIN (moxifloxacin hydrochloride), may worsen muscle weakness in persons with myasthenia gravis. If you have myasthenia gravis, do not use Priva- MOXIFLOXACIN.

Quinolones, including moxifloxacin, have been rarely associated with other central nervous system events including confusion, tremors, headache, hallucinations, depression, agitation, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness and suicidal thoughts. If you have suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor.

Neuropathy (problems in the nerves) has been reported in patients receiving quinolones, including Priva- MOXIFLOXACIN. If neuropathy symptoms occur such as pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness, you should stop taking Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN and contact your doctor immediately.

If you experience symptoms such as severe diarrhea (bloody or watery) with or without fever, abdominal pain or tenderness, you may have Clostridium difficile colitis (bowel inflammation). If this occurs, stop taking Priva- MOXIFLOXACIN and contact your healthcare professional immediately.

If your eyesight worsens or changes in any way consult your doctor and eye specialist immediately.

Other possible side effects which may occur with Priva- MOXIFLOXACIN are nausea, diarrhea and dizziness. Some people may have other side effects. If you notice any unusual effects, check with your doctor or pharmacist. If you feel worse or you think your condition is not improving while taking Priva- MOXIFLOXACIN, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

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
Irregular heartbeat or fainting spells  
Nervous system side effects:
  • seizures/convulsions
  • confusion
  • tremors
  • hallucinations
  • depression
  • symptoms of neuropathy: numbness, tingling, pain, burning or weakness
 
Tendon pain, inflammation, or rupture  
Symptoms of an allergic reaction (which can be fatal):
  • rash
  • hives
  • skin eruption
  • rapid heartbeat
  • difficulty breathing
  • difficulty swallowing
  • swelling of face, lips, or tongue
 
Symptoms of neuropathy:
  • pain
  • burning
  • tingling
  • numbness
  • weakness
 
Liver problems with symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and eyes, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, and pale stools  
  • Symptoms of a severe bowel condition: persistent diarrhea
  • bloody or watery diarrhea
  • abdominal or stomach pain/cramping
  • blood/mucus in stool
 
Very rare
Symptoms of hypoglycaemia such as fatigue, dizziness, sweating or shaking  

This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN, contact your doctor or Pharmacist.

How to store

Keep your Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN tablets in a safe place where children cannot reach them.

Priva-MOXIFLOXACIN tablets should be stored at room temperature (15°C -30°C) in tightly closed container away from heat and light. Avoid freezing.

Reporting 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 three 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 MedEffectTM 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 by contacting Pharmapar Inc.

This leaflet was prepared by:
Pharmapar Inc.:
100-5950, Ch. de la Côte-de-Liesse:
Mont-Royal, QC:
H4T 1E2:
Phone : (514) 731-2003; Fax: (514) 731-2004

Date of Preparation: October 16, 2015