SULFAMETHOXAZOLE/ TRIMETHOPRIM

Description: Round white tablet
Please report any adverse events to your health care provider.
Storage and handling information: Store at room temperature.

What is this product used for?
• It is used to treat bacterial infections

What do I need to tell my dermatology provider BEFORE I use this product?
• If you have an allergy to sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, or any other part of this drug.
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If you have anemia caused by a lack of folic acid.
• If you have any of these health problems: Kidney disease or liver disease.
• If you have ever had a low platelet count when using trimethoprim or a sulfa (sulfonamide) drug.
• This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I use this product?
• Tell dentists, surgeons, and other doctors that you use this drug.
• Have your blood work checked often. Talk with your doctor.
• This drug may affect certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab workers know you take this drug.
• Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
• Talk with your doctor before getting any vaccines. Use with this drug may either raise the chance of an infection or make the vaccine not work as well.
• Be careful if you have G6PD deficiency. Anemia may happen.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink wine, beer, or mixed drinks.
• You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.
• If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
• Do not give this drug to an infant younger than 2 months of age.
• This drug may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this drug while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my dermatology provider about right away?
• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad skin irritation.

What are some other side effects of this product?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your provider or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of a high potassium level like a heartbeat that does not feel normal; change in thinking clearly and with logic; feeling weak, lightheaded, or dizzy; feel like passing out; numbness or tingling; or shortness of breath.
• Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Purple patches on the skin or mouth.
• Shortness of breath.
• It is common to have loose stools (diarrhea) when taking this drug. Rarely, a very bad and sometimes deadly form of loose stools may occur (pseudomembranous colitis). This may happen while you are taking this drug or within a few months after you stop taking it. Call your doctor right away if you have stomach pain or cramps, very loose or watery stools, or bloody stools. Do not try to treat loose stools without first checking with your doctor.
• Very bad and rarely deadly effects have happened with sulfa (sulfonamide) drugs like this one. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; red or irritated eyes; sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes; fever, chills, or sore throat; cough that is new or worse; feeling very tired or weak; any bruising or bleeding; or signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.

How is this product best taken?
• Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read and follow the dosing on the label closely.
• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
• Take as you have been told, even if you feel well.
• Take this drug at the same time of day.
• Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor.
• Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.

How do I store this product?
• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom
• Protect from light
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
General product facts
• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your dermatology provider.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your dermatology provider.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Talk with your dermatology provider before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your dermatology provider, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.