Type of medicine: cephalosporin antibiotic
Generic and brand names: cefoxitin, injection; Mefoxin
This medicine is given by injection to treat infections caused by bacteria. It is a kind of antibiotic called a cephalosporin. It does not cure viral infections such as colds and the flu. This medicine may also be used before, during, and after surgery to decrease the risk of infection.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
The injections may be given as a shot into a large muscle or as IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein). If you are not staying in the hospital while you get these injections, keep all your appointments for injections and blood tests.
Sometimes this medicine may also be given at home. When using this medicine at home, be sure you know exactly how and when to use it. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose and how to store the medicine. Use this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not stop using this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval, even if you feel better. You must receive all injections prescribed or the infection may return.
If you are using syringes and needles, use them only once and dispose of them safely. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for how to dispose of used syringes, needles, and medicine containers.
Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about anything you do not understand.
The length of treatment you need depends on how your infection responds to the medicine.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe another antibiotic to be taken by mouth to complete your treatment. If so, follow your healthcare provider's instructions for taking the medicine. Take it for as long as your healthcare provider prescribes, even if you feel better.
This medicine may cause diarrhea. Severe watery and bloody diarrhea may be a sign of a life-threatening condition. If you develop severe diarrhea while taking this medicine or even as late as two or more months after the last dose of this medicine, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not take medicine to treat diarrhea without your provider's approval.
You may need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
You may develop a different infection while you are taking this medicine. Report any signs of infection to your healthcare provider.
Do not have any vaccines (such as for typhoid) without getting your healthcare provider's approval first. This medicine may affect how well vaccines work.
Diabetics: This medicine may affect urine sugar test results. Talk to your healthcare provider about urine and blood sugar tests while you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fever; yellowish skin or eyes; severe or constant diarrhea; severe stomach pain; bloody or black tarry stools; bloody urine; trouble urinating; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; severe blistering or peeling skin; seizures.
Other: Nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, pain or redness at the injection site.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
