NEBCIN

Drug Name: NEBCIN

NEBCIN DESCRIPTION:
TOBRAMYCIN - INJECTION (toe-bruh-MY-sin)

COMMON NEBCIN BRAND NAME(S):
Nebcin

NEBCIN SIDE EFFECTS:
NEBCIN may cause nausea, vomiting or weakness as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects continue or become severe, inform your doctor. NEBCIN can cause hearing loss or kidney damage especially if used in high doses or for prolonged periods of time. It is important the proper dose be used. Your doctor will order certain blood and laboratory tests to monitor the effectiveness of NEBCIN. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop dizziness, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, difficult or painful urination or muscle twitching. Your dose may need to be adjusted. The site where the injection is given may be red and irritated for a few days. Notify your doctor if the irritation continues or becomes worse. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE NEBCIN:
NEBCIN: NEBCIN may be given intravenously diluted in fluid and given slowly over 20 to 30 minutes into a vein or injected into a large muscle such as a buttock or hip. . Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night as prescribed. Continue to take NEBCIN until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.

NEBCIN WARNING:
NEBCIN has caused kidney problems, nerve damage or permanent hearing loss, even at usual doses. Hearing loss can occur even after the drug is stopped. If you already have kidney problems or hearing difficulty, tell your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if any of the following occur: ringing in your ears, hearing loss, unusual change in amount of urine, dizziness, numbness, skin tingling, muscle twitching or seizures. NEBCIN may be stopped if you develop kidney or hearing problems. Your doctor will monitor your progress to minimize the possibility of these effects occurring and may run certain tests (e.g., hearing and/or kidney tests). Do not use NEBCIN with other drugs that can cause nerve, kidney or hearing problems. Other factors that increase the risk of these side effects occurring include advanced age or dehydration (unusual thirst).

NEBCIN USES:
NEBCIN is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of serious bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and infections of the blood, abdomen or bones. NEBCIN must be given by injection since it is poorly absorbed if taken by mouth.

NEBCIN PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of kidney disease, hearing problems, muscle disease (e.g., myasthenia gravis), Parkinson's disease, dizziness, and of any allergies you may have (including allergy to sulfites). Tobramycin is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for details. NEBCIN passes into breast milk. Though there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants (to date) consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

NEBCIN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially of other antibiotics, "water pills" (diuretics), anesthetics (e.g., succinylcholine) and of live vaccines.

NEBCIN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NEBCIN NOTES:
NEBCIN has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary in those cases. Make sure needles, tubing and supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly.

MISSED NEBCIN DOSE:
If you should miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

NEBCIN STORAGE:
NEBCIN must be stored properly. Review storage instruction with your doctor or pharmacist. Intravenous bags are to be stored in the refrigerator. Let a refrigerated bag sit at room temperature at least one hour before using. Check expiration date before using. Store vial at room temperature away from sunlight.