Generic name: azithromycin (oral/injection) [ a-ZITH-roe-MYE-sin ]
Brand names: Azithromycin 3 Day Dose Pack, Azithromycin 5 Day Dose Pack, Zithromax, Zithromax IV, Zithromax TRI-PAK, Zithromax Z-Pak
Drug class: Macrolides

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 22, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Zithromax Z-Pak?

Zithromax Z-Pak is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, including infections of the lungs, sinus, throat, tonsils, skin, urinary tract, cervix, or genitals.

Zithromax Z-Pak may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use Zithromax Z-Pak if you have ever had an allergic reaction, jaundice, or liver problems while taking Zithromax Z-Pak. You should not use this medicine if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to similar drugs such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, or telithromycin.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Zithromax Z-Pak if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had:

• jaundice or liver problems caused by taking Zithromax Z-Pak; or

• a severe allergic reaction to similar drugs such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, or telithromycin.

Zithromax Z-Pak oral should not be used to treat pneumonia in people who have:

• cystic fibrosis;

• an infection after being in a hospital;

• an infection in the blood;

• a weak immune system (caused by diseases such as HIV/AIDS or cancer); or

• in older adults and those who are ill or debilitated.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• pneumonia;

• liver or kidney disease;

• myasthenia gravis;

• low levels of potassium in your blood;

• a heart rhythm disorder; or

• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member).

It is not known whether this medicine is effective in treating genital ulcers in women.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Taking Zithromax Z-Pak while breastfeeding may cause diarrhea, vomiting, or rash in the nursing baby.

Zithromax Z-Pak is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 months old. This medicine should not be used to treat a throat or tonsil infection in a child younger than 2 years old.

How should I take Zithromax Z-Pak?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Zithromax Z-Pak oral is taken by mouth. This medicine injection is given as an infusion into a vein, usually for 2 days before you switch to this medicine oral. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

You may take Zithromax Z-Pak oral with or without food.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Use Zithromax Z-Pak for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Zithromax Z-Pak will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused liquid medicine after 10 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Zithromax Z-Pak?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

Zithromax Z-Pak could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Zithromax Z-Pak side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Zithromax Z-Pak may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out); or

• liver problems--nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

Call your doctor right away if a baby taking Zithromax Z-Pak becomes irritable or vomits while eating or nursing.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects on heart rhythm, including a life-threatening fast heart rate.

Common side effects of Zithromax Z-Pak may include:

• nausea, vomiting; or

• stomach pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Zithromax Z-Pak?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• colchicine;

• digoxin;

• nelfinavir;

• phenytoin;

• an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium--Acid Gone, Gaviscon, Gelusil, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta, Pepcid Complete, Rolaids, Rulox, and others; or

• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Zithromax Z-Pak, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 18.01.

Ziv-aflibercept

Generic name: ziv-aflibercept [ ZIV-a-FLIB-er-sept ]
Brand name: Zaltrap
Dosage form: intravenous solution (25 mg/mL)
Drug class: VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 22, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is ziv-aflibercept?

Ziv-aflibercept is used in combination chemotherapy to treat colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).

Ziv-aflibercept is usually given after other medications did not work or have stopped working.

Ziv-aflibercept may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Ziv-aflibercept may cause serious and sometimes fatal bleeding. Call your doctor at once if you have any signs of unusual bleeding, including easy bruising, bloody stools, coughing up blood, or feeling light-headed or short of breath.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using ziv-aflibercept.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• bleeding problems;

• heart problems, high blood pressure;

• open sores or skin wounds; or

• surgery or dental work within the past 4 weeks.

Ziv-aflibercept may harm an unborn baby. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while using ziv-aflibercept and for at least 1 month after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Pregnancy may be less likely to occur while the mother or the father is using this medicine. Women should still use birth control to prevent pregnancy because the medicine can harm an unborn baby.

You should not breastfeed while you are using ziv-aflibercept, and for at least 1 month after your last dose.

How is ziv-aflibercept given?

Ziv-aflibercept is given as an infusion into a vein, usually every other week. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 1 hour to complete.

You will need frequent medical tests and blood pressure checks.

Ziv-aflibercept can cause problems with wound healing, which could result in bleeding or infection. You will need to stop receiving ziv-aflibercept at least 4 weeks before having any surgery or dental work. Do not start using the medicine for at least 4 weeks after surgery, or until your surgical incision heals.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your ziv-aflibercept injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Since ziv-aflibercept is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving ziv-aflibercept?

Follow your doctor''s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Ziv-aflibercept side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Ziv-aflibercept can make it easier for you to bleed. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have:

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, rectum), or any bleeding that will not stop;

• signs of bleeding inside your body--feeling light-headed; pink or brown urine; bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or

• signs of bleeding in the brain--sudden weakness (especially on one side of the body), severe headache, problems with speech or vision.

Ziv-aflibercept may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea;

• blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing;

• any wound that will not heal;

• headache, confusion, thinking problems, vision loss, seizure;

• signs of a blood clot--chest pain, sudden numbness or weakness;

• signs of perforation (a hole or tear) in your stomach or intestines--fever, ongoing stomach pain, change in bowel habits;

• signs of a fistula (abnormal passageway) in your lower body--rectal pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pain or swelling in your lower stomach, problems with urination or bowel movements.

• dehydration symptoms--feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin;

• signs of a kidney disorder--puffy eyes, swelling in your ankles or feet, weight gain, urine that looks foamy; or

• low white blood cell counts--fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing.

Older adults may be more likely to have severe diarrhea or get dehydrated.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects of ziv-aflibercept may include:

• increased blood pressure;

• low white blood cells;

• bruising or bleeding, nosebleeds;

• stomach pain, diarrhea;

• mouth sores, loss of appetite, weight loss;

• headache, feeling tired;

• hoarse voice; or

• abnormal kidney or liver function tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Ziv-aflibercept dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Colorectal Cancer:

4 mg/kg IV over 1 hour every 2 weeks; administer this drug prior to any component of the FOLFIRI regimen on the day of treatment
-Duration of therapy: until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity

Use: This drug in combination with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan-(FOLFIRI), is indicated for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) that is resistant to or has progressed following an oxaliplatin-containing regimen

What other drugs will affect ziv-aflibercept?

Other drugs may affect ziv-aflibercept, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.01.