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| Generic Name:
Famotidine
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| Drug Class:
H2-blockers
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| Description |
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Pepcid(Famotidine) is used to treat stomach or intestinal ulcers. It may be used to prevent intestinal ulcers from returning after treatment. Pepcid(Famotidine) is also used to treat certain problems caused by too much stomach acid or the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, esophagitis, or GERD).
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| Proper
Use |
Take Pepcid(Famotidine) by mouth, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. If you are taking Pepcid(Famotidine) once daily, it is best to take it at bedtime.
The dosage and duration of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to therapy. For children, the dosage is also based on body weight. You may take other medications (e.g., antacids) for your condition as recommended by your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Use Pepcid(Famotidine) regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed. Do not stop taking Pepcid(Famotidine) without your doctor's approval. Stopping therapy too soon may delay healing of the ulcer.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
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| Side
Effects |
Headache, diarrhea, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Pepcid(Famotidine) because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Pepcid(Famotidine) do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, easy bruising/bleeding, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat, cough), severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the skin/eyes.
A very serious allergic reaction to Pepcid(Famotidine) is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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| Precautions |
Before taking Pepcid(Famotidine), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using Pepcid(Famotidine), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney or liver disease, other stomach problems (e.g., tumors), lung diseases (e.g., asthma), heart problems.
Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Tell your doctor immediately if you have: heartburn combined with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest pain or shoulder/jaw pain (especially with trouble breathing), pain spreading to arms/neck/shoulders, unexplained weight loss.
Pepcid(Famotidine) may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Cigarette smoking and daily use of alcohol may increase your risk of stomach irritation/ulcers. Stop smoking and limit alcoholic beverages.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects.
Famotidine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Famotidine passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using Pepcid(Famotidine) is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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| Drug
Interactions |
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before using Pepcid(Famotidine), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: atazanavir, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole).
Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain aspirin or aspirin-like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) that can cause stomach irritation/ulcers. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually these dosages are 81-325 mg per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor for more details about continued use.
Pepcid(Famotidine) and other "H2 blockers" similar to it (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine, nizatidine) are available in both prescription and over-the-counter formulations. Do not take them at the same time.
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| Overdose |
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If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
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| Missed
Dose |
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
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| Storage |
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Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
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| Disclaimer |
| The above
information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed
to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate,
or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before using this drug. |
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All prescriptions dispensed by:
AGAR Pharmacy Ltd.
2400 Canoe Ave.
Coquitlam, BC V3K 6C2
Canada
Pharmacy manager
Yasina Ismaily
License#: 06351
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