Cefoxitin - used for:

Treating bacterial infections or preventing bacterial infections before, during, or after certain surgeries.

Cefoxitin is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It works killing sensitive bacteria.

Do NOT use Cefoxitin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Cefoxitin or to cephalosporins (eg, cephalexin)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Cefoxitin:

Some medical conditions may interact with Cefoxitin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, severe rash, hives, difficulty breathing, dizziness) to a penicillin (eg, amoxicillin) or beta-lactam antibiotic (eg, imipenem)
• if you have stomach or bowel problems (eg, inflammation), blood clotting problems, kidney or liver problems, myasthenia gravis, or poor nutrition

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Cefoxitin. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Heparin because side effects, including risk of bleeding, may be increased by Cefoxitin
• Aminoglycosides (eg, gentamicin) because risk of kidney side effects may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Cefoxitin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Cefoxitin:

Use Cefoxitin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Cefoxitin is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Cefoxitin at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
• If Cefoxitin contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• To clear up your infection completely, continue using Cefoxitin for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Cefoxitin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Cefoxitin.

Important safety information about Cefoxitin:

• Cefoxitin is effective only against bacteria. It is not effective for treating viral infections (eg, the common cold).
• It is important to use Cefoxitin for the full course of treatment. Failure to do so may decrease the effectiveness of Cefoxitin and increase the risk that the bacteria will no longer be sensitive to Cefoxitin and will not be able to be treated by this or certain other antibiotics in the future.
• Long-term or repeated use of Cefoxitin may cause a second infection. Your doctor may want to change your medicine to treat the second infection. Contact your doctor if signs of a second infection occur.
• If severe diarrhea, stomach pain/cramps, or bloody stools occur, contact your doctor immediately. This could be a symptom of a serious side effect requiring immediate medical attention. Do not treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor.
• Cefoxitin may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations in which bruising or injury may occur. Report any unusual bleeding, bruising, blood in stools, or dark, tarry stools to your doctor.
• Diabetes patients - Cefoxitin may cause incorrect test results with some urine glucose tests. Check with your doctor before you adjust your dose of your diabetes medicine or change your diet.
• Cefoxitin may affect certain LAB TEST results. Make sure your doctor and laboratory personnel know you are using Cefoxitin.
• LAB TESTS, including kidney or liver tests or blood cell counts, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Cefoxitin with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Use Cefoxitin with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 3 months of age. Safety and effectiveness have not been established.
• Use Cefoxitin with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 10 years of age who have diarrhea or a stomach or bowel infection.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Cefoxitin during pregnancy. Cefoxitin is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Cefoxitin, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Cefoxitin:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; nausea; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; decreased urination; dizziness; fever; hoarseness; pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; red, swollen, or blistered skin; seizures; severe diarrhea; severe nausea or vomiting; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness; vaginal irritation or discharge; vein inflammation; white patches in mouth; yellowing of the eyes and skin.

Proper storage of Cefoxitin:

Cefoxitin is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Cefoxitin at home, store Cefoxitin as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Cefoxitin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Cefoxitin, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• This medicine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Cefoxitin. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.