Firvanq

• It is used to treat bacterial infections.

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Firvanq (vancomycin oral solution). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• You may need to have hearing tests while you use Firvanq (vancomycin oral solution). Talk with the doctor.
• Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
• If you are 65 or older, use Firvanq (vancomycin oral solution) with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Firvanq (vancomycin oral solution) while you are pregnant.

Use Firvanq (vancomycin oral solution) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with or without food.
• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
• Keep taking Firvanq (vancomycin oral solution) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
• Your pharmacist will need to mix Firvanq (vancomycin oral solution) before you get it.
• Shake well before use.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with Firvanq (vancomycin oral solution). If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure Firvanq (vancomycin oral solution).

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

• Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Protect from light.
• Keep lid tightly closed.
• Be sure you know how long you can store Firvanq (vancomycin oral solution) before you need to throw it away.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain vancomycin. It may not be specific to Firvanq. Please read with care.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, open, or chew it.

If you are using the oral liquid:

• Shake the medicine well before each use.
• Use a specially marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
• Do not use after the expiration date on the label. The medicine may not work properly after that date. Check with your pharmacist if you have any questions about this.

If you are also using cholestyramine or colestipol for your colitis, do not take vancomycin by mouth within 3 to 4 hours of taking either of these medicines. Doing so may keep vancomycin from working properly.

Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage forms (capsules or oral liquid):
  • For treatment of C. difficile-associated diarrhea:
    • Adults—125 milligrams (mg) 4 times a day for 10 days.
    • Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by the doctor. The usual dose is 40 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight, divided into 3 or 4 doses, and taken for 7 to 10 days. However, the total daily dose is usually not more than 2000 mg per day.
  • For treatment of Staphylococcal enterocolitis:
    • Adults—500 to 2000 milligrams (mg) divided into 3 or 4 doses for 7 to 10 days.
    • Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by the doctor. The usual dose is 40 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight, divided into 3 or 4 doses, and taken for 7 to 10 days. However, the total daily dose is usually not more than 2000 mg per day.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator for up to 14 days. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after 14 days, or if the liquid becomes cloudy or has particles in it.