Firvanq

Generic name: Vancomycin (oral)
Drug class: Glycopeptide antibiotics

Usage of Firvanq

Firvanq is an antibiotic. Oral (taken by mouth) this medicine fights bacteria in the intestines.

Firvanq is used to treat an infection of the intestines caused by Clostridium difficile, which can cause watery or bloody diarrhea. This medicine is also used to treat staph infections that can cause inflammation of the colon and small intestines.

Oral Firvanq works only in the intestines and is not normally absorbed into the body. Firvanq will not treat other types of infection. An injection form of vancomycin is available to treat serious infections in other parts of the body.

Firvanq may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Firvanq side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Certain side effects may occur if your body absorbs Firvanq through the intestinal walls. Call your doctor at once if you have:

increased diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

hearing loss, ringing in your ears;

kidney problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, pain in your side or lower back, little or no urination; or

low potassium level--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Side effects on the kidneys may be more likely in older adults taking this medicine.

Common side effects of Firvanq may include:

low potassium;

nausea; or

stomach pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Firvanq

You should not Firvanq if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

an intestinal disorder such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis;

kidney disease;

hearing problems; or

if you are receiving any intravenous (IV) antibiotics.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Relate drugs

How to use Firvanq

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Taking more of Firvanq will not make it more effective, and may cause serious or life-threatening side effects.

Shake the oral solution (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Firvanq will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Store Firvanq capsules at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator, do not freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days.

Warnings

Oral Firvanq works only in the intestines and will not treat infections in other parts of the body. Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Firvanq

Other drugs may affect Firvanq, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.