For Patients
Is SPECTRACEF® for you?
SPECTRACEF treats mild to moderate infections of the skin and respiratory tract, such as pneumonia, strep throat and tonsillitis. SPECTRACEF can also be prescribed to treat the acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis. You must be 12 years of age or older to use SPECTRACEF.
SPECTRACEF is packaged in a dose pack, which is easy to use and designed to help you finish the full course of therapy prescribed by your doctor.
SPECTRACEF should only be used to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by the indicated bacteria. Your doctor will decide if SPECTRACEF is right for you.
The product information provided in this site is intended only for residents of the United States. The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a health care provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a health care provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.
How should you take SPECTRACEF?
SPECTRACEF should be taken twice a day with meals to enhance drug absorption. It is important to take all of the tablets as prescribed by your doctor, even if you start to feel better after the initial days of taking SPECTRACEF.
Do not take SPECTRACEF along with medicines that reduce stomach acid, including antacids. You may continue to take SPECTRACEF if you are using birth control pills.
It is important to follow the instructions of your doctor on how to take SPECTRACEF.
What side effects may occur?
Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome when using SPECTRACEF: headache, mild diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain or upset and vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using SPECTRACEF: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; decreased urination; easy bruising or bleeding; fever; hoarseness; red, swollen, or blistered skin; seizures; severe diarrhea; severe nausea or vomiting; severe stomach pain/cramping; unusual tiredness; vaginal discharge or itching; white spots in the mouth; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Important safety facts
If you are allergic to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics, consult your doctor before taking SPECTRACEF. An allergy to either type of medication may indicate a possible allergy to SPECTRACEF. If a reaction does occur, it could be severe. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop signs of an allergic reaction, including breathing problems, swelling of the face or throat, hives or rash.
You should not use SPECTRACEF if you have a deficiency of the amino acid carnitine, or if you have a problem metabolizing carnitine. You should also avoid SPECTRACEF if you're allergic to milk protein, since SPECTRACEF contains this substance. However, being lactose intolerant should not prevent you from using SPECTRACEF.
Did you miss a dose?
Be sure to take it as soon as you remember to do so. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.
How do I store my medication?
SPECTRACEF should be stored at room temperature and protected from light and moisture.
For more information about SPECTRACEF, talk to your healthcare provider.
For full Prescribing Information, click here.
References
1. SPECTRACEF® (cefditoren pivoxil) prescribing information, Cornerstone Therapeutics Inc., September 2009.
