r to treat certain problems with the immune system)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or COX-2 inhibitors, e.g. celecoxib (medicines used to relieve pain, swelling or other symptoms of inflammation)
Tobramycin, another antibiotic used to treat various types of bacterial infections.
These medicines may be affected by Cubicin, or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different medicines. Your doctor and pharmacist have more information.
If you have not told your doctor about any of these things, tell him/her before you are given this medicine.
How Cubicin is given
Your medicine will be given to you by a doctor or a nurse as it needs to be given as an injection or infusion into a vein.
How much is given
Your doctor will decide what dose and how long you will receive Cubicin. The dose will depend on how much you weigh and the type of infection being treated. The usual adult dose is 4 mg/kg daily for skin infections and 6mg/kg daily for blood or heart infections.
If you are over 65 years of age, you will be given the same dose as other adults, provided your kidneys are working well.
How it is given
Cubicin is given directly into your blood stream by intravenous injection over about 2 minutes or by infusion (drip) over about 30 minutes.
When it is given
Your doctor will determine when you are given Cubicin.
How long it is given for
A course of treatment usually lasts for 7 to 14 days for skin infections and 2 to 6 weeks for blood or heart infections. Your doctor will decide how long you should be treated.
If you have kidney problems, you may receive Cubicin less often, e.g. every other day. If you are receiving dialysis, and your next dose of Cubicin is due on a dialysis day, you will usually be given Cubicin after the dialysis session.
If you miss a dose
If you think that you have missed a dose of treatment, tell a doctor or nurse or pharmacist at once.
Since Cubicin is given by a doctor or nurse, once a day, it is very unlikely that you will miss a dose.
If you are given too much (overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor, or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26) or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital, if you think that you may have been given too much Cubicin. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Since Cubicin is given by a doctor or nurse, once a day, it is very unlikely that you will be given too much of the medicine. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will be monitoring your progress and checking the medicine that you are given.
While you are being given Cubicin
Things you must do
If the symptoms of your infection do not improve, or if they become worse, tell your doctor.
If you develop itching with swelling or skin rash or difficulty breathing while you are being given Cubicin contact your doctor immediately.
Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:
Tender or aching muscles or muscle weakness.
Your doctor will make sure that you have a blood test and will decide whether or not you should continue Cubicin treatment. The symptoms generally go away within a few days of stopping Cubicin.
Any unusual tingling or numbness of the hands or feet, loss of feeling or difficulties in moving.
Your doctor will decide whether or not you should continue treatment.
Diarrhoea, especially if you notice blood.
Diarrhoea may mean that you have a serious condition affecting your bowel. You may need urgent medical |
