Sivextro (tedizolid) is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.
Sivextro is used to treat skin infections in adults, including "MRSA" staph infections.
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Sivextro and other antibacterial drugs, this medicine should only be used to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.
Important information
Sivextro should only be used to treat bacterial infections. Tedizolid does not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold).
While it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, Sivextro should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable in the future.
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.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Sivextro if you are allergic to tedizolid.
To make sure Sivextro is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have recently been sick with a fever, cold or flu symptoms, cough, or sore throat.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Sivextro will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Tedizolid can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medicine to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.
How should I take Sivextro?
Use Sivextro exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
The oral form of Sivextro is a tablet taken by mouth. You may take the tablet with or without food.
Sivextro injection is given into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.
Sivextro injection is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) in an IV bag before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine. Use only the diluent provided with your medicine.
Gently swirl but do not shake the mixed medicine or it may foam. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
After mixing Sivextro injection, you may store the mixture for up to 24 hours at room temperature or in a refrigerator.
Each single-use vial (bottle) of the injection is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in it after injecting your dose.
Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Use Sivextro for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Sivextro will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep each tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take it. Prepare your Sivextro injection dose only when you are ready to give an injection.
Sivextro dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Infection:
Oral: 200 mg orally once daily for 6 days
Parenteral: 200 mg IV infusion once daily for 6 days
Comments: No dose adjustment is needed when switching from IV to oral.
Uses: Acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible isolates of S. aureus (including methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible (MSSA ) isolates), S. pyogenes, S. agalactiae, S. anginosus, and E faecalis.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take or use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if your next dose is less than 8 hours away. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Sivextro?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop using Sivextro and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Sivextro side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Sivextro: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
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numbness or tingling in your hands or feet; or
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vision problems, severe headache or pain behind your eyes.
Common Sivextro side effects may include:
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nausea, vomiting;
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headache; or
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dizziness.
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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Sivextro?
Other drugs may interact with tedizolid, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
