Aztreonam solution for inhalation

What is this medicine?

AZTREONAM (AZ tree oh nam) is a monobactam antibiotic. It is used to improve breathing symptoms in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) with certain bacteria in their lungs. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for inhalation using a nebulizer. Nebulizers make a liquid into an aerosol that you breathe in through your mouth or your mouth and nose and into your lungs. You will be taught how to use your nebulizer. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not use more than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 7 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• chest pain or chest tightness

• cough

• fever

• sore throat

• stomach pain

• vomiting

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• birth control pills

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F) or store at room temperature up to 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) for up to 28 days. Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• an unusual or allergic reaction to aztreonam, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care provider if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Your doctor will monitor your condition and blood work as needed.

This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.