What is gemifloxacin (Factive)?

Gemifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.

Gemifloxacin is used to treat different types of bacterial infections in the lungs.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause serious or disabling side effects. Gemifloxacin should be used only for infections that cannot be treated with a safer antibiotic.

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

Common side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
headache;
dizziness;
rash.

What is the most important information I should know about gemifloxacin (Factive)?

Gemifloxacin can cause serious side effects, including tendon problems, nerve damage, serious mood or behavior changes, or low blood sugar.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have symptoms such as: headache, hunger, irritability, feeling anxious or shaky, numbness, tingling, burning pain, confusion, agitation, paranoia, problems with memory or concentration, or thoughts of suicide.

Gemifloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon. Stop taking gemifloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gemifloxacin (Factive)?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to gemifloxacin or other fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, and others).

Gemifloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles’ tendon of the heel. This can happen during treatment or up to several months after you stop taking gemifloxacin. Tendon problems may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

tendon problems, arthritis or other joint problems;
diabetes;
a muscle or nerve disorder, such as myasthenia gravis;
slow heartbeats or other heart rhythm disorder (especially if you take medication to treat it);
long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
trouble swallowing pills;
liver or kidney disease;
epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or
low levels of magnesium or potassium in your blood.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using gemifloxacin.

Gemifloxacin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take gemifloxacin (Factive)?

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

Take gemifloxacin with water, and drink extra fluids to keep your kidneys working properly while taking this medicine.

Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not chew it.