Pivmecillinam

Pivmecillinam is used for the treatment of certain types of urinary tract infections (UTIs; infection of the bladder or kidney). Pivmecillinam is in a class of medications called penicillins. It works by killing bacteria.

Pivmecillinam comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Take with or without food three times a day for 3 to 7 days. Take pivmecillinam at around the same times every day.

Take pivmecillinam exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with pivmecillinam. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.

Take pivmecillinam until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking pivmecillinam too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking pivmecillinam,

• tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
• you should know that some medications should not be taken with pivmecillinam. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with pivmecillinam. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting pivmecillinam with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking pivmecillinam, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
• tell your doctor if you have carnitine deficiency from an inherited disorder (something you were born with) such as methylmalonic aciduria or propionic acidemia or porphyria (disorder resulting from build up of certain chemicals such as proteins and fats). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take pivmecillinam.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking pivmecillinam, call your doctor.
• you should know that if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking pivmecillinam.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Pivmecillinam may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nausea, diarrhea
• itching
• headache

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) that may occur with or without fever and stomach cramps (may occur up to 2 months or more after your treatment)
• vaginal itching or thick, white vaginal discharge
• rash, itching, hives; difficulty breathing or wheezing
• extreme redness or peeling or blistering of skin or insides of the mouth
• dizziness, confusion, tiredness, muscle pains
• worrying, confusion, pain in stomach or legs or arms, muscle weakness or confusion

Pivmecillinam may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the blister pack container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the pivmecillinam, call your doctor.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

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