ZYVOX

Drug Name: ZYVOX

ZYVOX DESCRIPTION:
LINEZOLID - ORAL SUSPENSION (lin-AZE-oh-lid)

COMMON ZYVOX BRAND NAME(S):
Zyvox

ZYVOX SIDE EFFECTS:
Diarrhea, headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or rash may occur. If these any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: easy bruising or bleeding, severe headache, severe dizziness, blurred vision, fever, persistent sore throat, unusual fatigue. Use of ZYVOX for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ZYVOX:
ZYVOX: Take ZYVOX by mouth usually every 12 hours or as directed by your doctor. Before taking each dose, mix the suspension by gently turning the bottle upside down 3 to 5 times. Do not shake ZYVOX. Linezolid is related to a group of drugs called MAO inhibitors. Certain foods interact with MAO inhibitors causing severe headache and increased blood pressure. This could lead to a medical emergency. See DRUG_INTERACTIONS section. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take ZYVOX at evenly spaced intervals. Continue to take ZYVOX until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve in 10 days.

ZYVOX USES:
Linezolid is an antibiotic used to treat certain serious bacterial infections often resistant to other antibiotics.

ZYVOX PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: high blood pressure (hypertension), blood disorders (low blood counts), chronic infection, any allergies. If you should avoid products that contain phenylalanine (phenylketonuric), talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of this product. Tell your doctor if you have had diarrhea and stomach pain while taking other antibiotics. This may be a symptom of a different infection (pseudomembranous colitis) that requires another medication. ZYVOX should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether ZYVOX passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using ZYVOX is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

ZYVOX DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline, amitriptyline, venlafaxine); other antibiotics; other drugs which can depress the bone marrow (e.g., cancer chemotherapy). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Avoid these products while taking ZYVOX. Ask your pharmacist for additional information. The following are among the foods and beverages to be avoided while you are taking ZYVOX and for 2 weeks after you stop: Meat or Fish - pickled herring/liver/dry sausage/salami/meats prepared with tenderizer; Dairy - yogurt/sour cream/aged cheeses (cream or cottage cheese are okay); Beverages - beer/red wine/sherry - Avoid excessive amount of caffeine-containing colas/coffee/tea; Fruits and Vegetables - avocado/bananas/figs/raisins/broad beans/sauerkraut; Other - yeast extract/soy sauce/large amounts of chocolate. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ZYVOX OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

ZYVOX NOTES:
ZYVOX has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., CBC, platelets) may be performed to monitor your progress. Do not share ZYVOX with others.

MISSED ZYVOX DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

ZYVOX STORAGE:
Before mixing, store the dry powder and mixing solution below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Do not freeze. Once mixed, the medication is good for 21 days and should be stored at controlled room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not freeze.