FUSIDIC ACID

Do not wear contact lenses when using fusidic acid eye drops.

Fusidic acid cream should be used with caution in:

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding

Fusidic acid suspension should be used with caution in people taking:

• Drugs for lowering cholesterol called statins (when fusidic acid is given as an injection)
• Other antibiotics that are excreted from the body in a similar way to fusidic acid, such as lincomycin and rifampicin

Fusidic acid eye drops, cream and suspension should not be used by people allergic to fusidic acid, its salts or any other ingredients.

Fusidic acid cream should not be used to treat infections caused by bacteria that are not susceptible to fusidic acid, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Fusidic acid suspension should not be used by people who have an inherited condition that prevents you from digesting certain types of sugars properly.

Fusidic acid eye drops:

• Stinging or burning for a short time after use
• Allergic reaction (hypersensitivity)

Fusidic acid cream:

• Rash
• Stinging and irritation
• Itchy rash and inflammation

Fusidic acid suspension:

• Stomach upset

If any of these side effects persist or are severe, inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms while you are using fusidic acid eye drops or cream:

• Difficulty breathing
• Your face swells, particularly around your eyes or your eyelids
• A severe rash
• Burning or stinging in your eye that does not go away

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms while you are using fusidic acid suspension:

• Your skin or the whites of your eyes become yellow
• You are not passing water (anuria)
• You start to bruise easily or have unexplained bleeding
• Repeated and persistent mouth ulcers, sore throat or other infections

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before taking fusidic acid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other antibiotics; or if you have any other allergies.

Fusidic acid cream should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have:

• Allergy (hypersensitivity) to fusidic acid, its salts or any other ingredients
• Infection caused by germs that are not susceptible to fusidic acid, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Fusidic acid suspension should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have:

• Allergy (hypersensitivity) to fusidic acid, its salts or any other ingredients
• You have inherited a condition that means that you cannot digest certain types of sugars properly

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially any of the following:

• Pregnancy
• Breast-feeding

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

Interactions

Fusidic acid eye drops and cream do not have any drug interactions.

Fusidic acid suspension should not be used with the following medications because very serious, possibly fatal interactions may occur:

• Drugs, which are called statins, that are used to lower levels of fats or lipids, including cholesterol, in your blood

If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting fusidic acid suspension:

• Drugs used to thin the blood and stop blood clots, such as coumarin derivatives and anticoagulants (including Warfarin)
• Rotanavir, a drug used to treat HIV
• A drug called ciclosporin that is used for various conditions, such as after organ transplant, the skin condition psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and non-prescription/herbal products you may use.

This information does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using fusidic acid, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, bring the victim to the nearest hospital right away.

Available brands:

• Fucicort (LEO Pharma)
• Fucidin (LEO Pharma)
• Fucidin H (LEO Pharma)
• Hoepaq (Hoe/New Marketlink)
• Woncare (Hovid)