Why is this medication prescribed?

Dificid (fidaxomicin) is a prescription medication primarily used to treat Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the colon. It’s typically prescribed when other antibiotics have failed or when the infection is particularly severe or recurrent.

How should this medicine be used?

Here’s how Dificid is typically used:

• Dosage: The usual adult dosage for Dificid is one 200 mg tablet taken orally twice daily for 10 days.
• Administration: Dificid tablets should be swallowed whole with water and can be taken with or without food.
• Complete Course: It’s important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your healthcare provider, even if symptoms improve before the course is finished. Stopping the medication too soon could lead to the infection returning or becoming resistant to antibiotics.
• Adherence to Schedule: Try to take Dificid at evenly spaced intervals to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body.
• Avoiding Missed Doses: If you miss a dose of Dificid, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
• Consultation: Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the use of Dificid. They may provide specific guidance based on your medical history and the severity of your condition.
• Storage: Store Dificid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you’re taking, as well as any medical conditions you have, before starting Dificid treatment. This will help prevent potential interactions or complications.

Other uses for this medicine

While Dificid (fidaxomicin) is primarily used for treating Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), there aren’t many other established uses for it. However, healthcare providers may occasionally prescribe it for other types of bacterial infections or conditions not listed in the medication guide, based on their judgment and assessment of individual patient needs.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions should be observed when using Dificid. Here are some key considerations:

• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider if you have any known allergies to fidaxomicin or any other medications.
• Medical History: Provide a comprehensive medical history to your healthcare provider, especially if you have a history of liver disease or any other significant medical conditions.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before starting Dificid treatment. The safety of Dificid during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, so your doctor will weigh the potential risks and benefits before prescribing it.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking. Certain medications may interact with Dificid, potentially affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
• Potential Side Effects: Be aware of possible side effects of Dificid, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and headache. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact your healthcare provider.
• Resistance and Recurrence: While Dificid is effective against Clostridium difficile, there is a risk of recurrence or development of resistant strains of bacteria. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully, and complete the full course of treatment as prescribed.
• Monitoring: Your healthcare provider may perform periodic monitoring, such as laboratory tests, to check your response to Dificid treatment and assess for any adverse effects.
• Storage: Store Dificid tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, and keep them out of reach of children.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and recommendations regarding the use of Dificid, and do not hesitate to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have about the medication.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Dificid. However, it’s essential to maintain a healthy, balanced diet to support your overall health and recovery from the infection.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you miss a dose of Dificid, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you have any concerns or questions about missed doses, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Dificid (fidaxomicin) can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects of Dificid may include:

• Nausea: Feeling sick to your stomach.
• Vomiting: The forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.
• Abdominal Pain: Pain or discomfort in the abdominal area.
• Headache: Pain or discomfort in the head, ranging from mild to severe.

These side effects are generally mild and may subside as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, it’s essential to inform your healthcare provider.

In rare cases, Dificid may cause more severe side effects that require medical attention. These can include:

• Severe Diarrhea: This could be a sign of a more serious infection or an adverse reaction to the medication.
• Allergic Reaction: Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Dificid may include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
• Liver Problems: Dificid may rarely cause liver problems. Symptoms of liver problems include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, abdominal pain, or persistent nausea or vomiting.

If you experience any severe or persistent side effects while taking Dificid, contact your healthcare provider or seek medical attention promptly. It’s important to report any adverse reactions to your healthcare provider, as they can help determine the best course of action. Additionally, they may adjust your treatment plan or prescribe medication to manage side effects.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal of Dificid:

• Storage: Store Dificid tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.
• Disposal: Dispose of any unused or expired Dificid tablets properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Instead, consult your local guidelines for medication disposal or ask your pharmacist for advice on how to safely dispose of the medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

If you suspect an overdose of Dificid or experience severe symptoms, seek emergency medical attention or call your local poison control center immediately. Overdose symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.

What other information should I know?

• Compliance: Take Dificid exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not alter the dosage or stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor, even if you start to feel better before completing the full course of treatment.
• Follow-up: Attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider as scheduled. They may want to monitor your progress and conduct tests to ensure the infection has cleared and assess for any adverse effects of the medication.
• Avoid Alcohol: It’s generally advisable to avoid consuming alcohol while taking Dificid, as it may increase the risk of certain side effects and could potentially interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.
• Inform Healthcare Providers: Inform any other healthcare providers involved in your care, including dentists and specialists, that you are taking Dificid. This will help prevent potential interactions with other medications or treatments.
• Keep Medication Information Handy: Keep the medication information sheet provided by your pharmacist for reference. It contains important information about the medication, including potential side effects, drug interactions, and other essential details.
• Contact Information: If you have any questions or concerns about Dificid or your treatment plan, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for assistance. They can provide guidance and address any issues you may encounter during your course of treatment.