Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Sandoz Ciprofloxacin.
HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY
January 23, 2017
Health Canada has issued new restrictions concerning the use of ciprofloxacin. To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.
Allergic reactions: In rare cases, some people may develop an allergic reaction to Sandoz Ciprofloxacin. Signs of an allergic reaction include a severe rash, swollen face, or difficulty breathing. If these occur, get immediate medical attention.
Antibiotic-related diarrhea: Sandoz Ciprofloxacin, like other antibiotics, can cause a potentially dangerous, severe form of diarrhea called antibiotic-associated colitis or pseudomembranous colitis. Symptoms include severe, watery diarrhea that may be bloody. If you notice these symptoms, stop taking ciprofloxacin and contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Bacterial resistance: Misuse of an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin may lead to the growth of resistant bacteria that will not be killed by the antibiotic. If this happens, the antibiotic may not work for you in the future. Although you may begin to feel better when you first start taking ciprofloxacin, take all the medication exactly as directed by your doctor to finish ridding your body of the infection and to prevent resistant bacteria from taking hold. Do not take ciprofloxacin or other antibiotics to treat a viral infection such as The Common Cold; antibiotics do not kill viruses, and using them to treat viral infections can lead to the growth of resistant bacteria.
Behaviour and nervous system: Rarely, ciprofloxacin may affect behaviour and the nervous system. These changes can include confusion, tremors, depression (including thoughts of harming yourself), hallucinations (hearing, seeing, or feeling things that are not actually there), agitation, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, or nightmares. Some people have experienced a "pins and needles" feeling or numbness that does not always go away when the medication is stopped. If you experience these or any other behaviour changes while taking Sandoz Ciprofloxacin, contact your doctor.
Blood glucose: Ciprofloxacin may cause changes in blood sugar levels (may cause a loss of blood glucose control) and glucose tolerance may change. It can cause either high or low blood glucose. People with Diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Sandoz Ciprofloxacin.
If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar (e.g., cold sweat, cool pale skin, headache, fast heartbeat, weakness) or symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour), talk to your doctor.
Driving and operating heavy machinery: Ciprofloxacin may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery, especially when combined with alcohol. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Hypersensitivity syndrome: A Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) called hypersensitivity syndrome has occurred for some people with the use of ciprofloxacin. This reaction involves a number of organs in the body and may be fatal if not treated quickly. Stop taking the medication and get immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including fever, swollen glands, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms with skin rash or blistering.
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Sandoz Ciprofloxacin to build up in the body, causing side effects, since ciprofloxacin is removed from the body primarily by the kidneys. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Ciprofloxacin, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Ciprofloxacin may reduce liver function and can cause liver failure. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Ciprofloxacin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Ciprofloxacin, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Neuromuscular disorders: Ciprofloxacin may cause increased muscle weakness for people with Myasthenia Gravis (an autoimmune disorder that causes muscle weakness). If you have myasthenia gravis, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Ciprofloxacin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Ciprofloxacin, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Other infections: Use of ciprofloxacin for a long time may lead to yeast infections.
QT prolongation: Sandoz Ciprofloxacin can lengthen heartbeat as shown on an electrocardiogram test, also known as QT prolongation. Very rare cases of abnormal heartbeat have been reported by people taking ciprofloxacin, but these reports generally involved people who had conditions that predisposed them to abnormal heartbeat, or who had been taking other medications that can increase the risk of developing an abnormal heartbeat. If you have heart disease and abnormal heart rhythms, or are taking certain medications (e.g., Verapamil, atazanavir), discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Ciprofloxacin, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you develop heart palpitations (fast or irregular heartbeat) or experience fainting spells, stop taking ciprofloxacin and contact your doctor immediately.
Seizures: Rarely, seizures have been reported with this medication. If you have a history of Epilepsy or medical conditions that increase the risk of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Ciprofloxacin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Ciprofloxacin, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you have a seizure while taking Sandoz Ciprofloxacin, stop taking it and get immediate medical attention.
Sucrose intolerance: The oral suspension form of Sandoz Ciprofloxacin contains sucrose. People who have a hereditary condition that makes them intolerant to some sugars should not take the oral suspension.
Sun sensitivity: People who take ciprofloxacin are more likely to experience Sunburn. Avoid exposure to excessive sunlight, including sunlamps and tanning beds. If you must spend time in the sun use sunblock with minimum SPF 30. Talk to your doctor if severe sun sensitivity occurs.
Tendinitis or tendon rupture: Ciprofloxacin may increase the chance of tendon injury, which occurs more commonly for seniors, people who are taking corticosteroid medications, and people who have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. This injury may cause permanent damage to the affected tendons. If there is any new pain in the tendons, stop taking ciprofloxacin, avoid physical exercise, and consult your doctor.
Pregnancy: Sandoz Ciprofloxacin should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Sandoz Ciprofloxacin, stop taking it immediately and call your doctor.
Breast-feeding: Sandoz Ciprofloxacin passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking ciprofloxacin, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children less than 18 years of age.
Seniors: People over the age of 65 may have a higher risk of side effects due to age-related decreases in kidney function.
