• Patients should be advised that allergic reactions, including serious allergic reactions, could occur and that serious reactions require immediate treatment. They should inform their healthcare provider about any previous hypersensitivity reactions to Teflaro, other beta-lactams (including cephalosporins) or other allergens.
• Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including Teflaro should be used to treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When Teflaro is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Teflaro or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
• Patients should be advised that diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibacterial drugs and usually resolves when the drug is discontinued. Sometimes, frequent watery or bloody diarrhea may occur and may be a sign of a more serious intestinal infection. If severe watery or bloody diarrhea develops, patients should contact their healthcare provider.
• Keep out of reach of children

Last reviewed on RxList: 11/5/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.