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Skin Infections

Uncomplicated Skin Infections
Complicated Skin Infections

Uncomplicated Skin Infections
The skin is a barrier against many infections. However, sometimes bacteria can take hold at or near the surface of the skin and cause an uncomplicated skin or skin structure infection. The seriousness and size of the affected area varies with the type of infection.

• An abscess, also called a boil or furuncle, appears as a warm, painful swelling under the skin. A carbuncle forms when several abscesses cluster together under the skin. These conditions can make you feel sick and cause a fever.
• Cellulitis is an infection that spreads under the skin. It causes redness, swelling, and pain over a patch of skin and can cause fever, chills, and headaches. It is commonly seen on facial skin and the legs.
• Impetigo causes sores that are itchy and slightly painful. Sometimes it appears as a large fluid-filled blister.  The sores leak fluid and form
  yellow crusts that look like scabs. Impetigo can spread to other people and to other parts of your body.
• Wound infections occur when a cut or break in the skin allows bacteria to enter the body.

LEVAQUIN is indicated for adults with uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections (mild to moderate) including abscesses, cellulitis, furuncles, impetigo, pyoderma, wound infections, due to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.

Complicated Skin Infections
Sometimes bacteria infect the deeper soft tissues and cause a complicated skin or skin structure infection.

• Skin ulcers, also called pressure sores or bedsores, are areas of damaged skin caused by a lack of blood flow. The lack of blood flow is caused by long periods of pressure, usually from being confined to a bed or chair and not being able to change position easily. A bacterial infection of skin ulcers can slow healing and even be life-threatening if it spreads in the body.
• Deep wound infections can occur as a result of deep cuts, bites, injuries that break the skin, and incisions (cuts) that are made during some types of surgery.
• Uncomplicated infections can become more severe. For example, a major abscess and cellulitis may grow into deeper tissue and require surgical treatment.

LEVAQUIN is indicated to treat complicated skin and skin structure infections due to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, or Proteus mirabilis.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR LEVAQUIN

Fluoroquinolones, including LEVAQUIN^®, are associated with an increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture in all ages. This risk is further increased in older patients usually over 60 years of age, in patients taking corticosteroid drugs, and in patients with kidney, heart, or lung transplants. Call your healthcare professional right away at the first sign of tendon pain, swelling or inflammation. You should stop taking LEVAQUIN^® until tendinitis or tendon rupture has been ruled out and avoid exercise and using the affected area.

LEVAQUIN^® is contraindicated in persons with known hypersensitivity to LEVAQUIN^® or other quinolone antibiotics. Serious and occasionally fatal allergic reactions, as well as some of unknown origin, have been reported in patients receiving therapy with quinolones, including LEVAQUIN^®. These reactions may occur following the first dose or multiple doses. The drug should be discontinued at the first appearance of a skin rash, hives, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction. Hepatotoxicity (liver damage) has been reported in patients receiving LEVAQUIN^®. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained symptoms such as: nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, fever, weakness, abdominal pain or tenderness, itching, unusual or unexplained tiredness, loss of appetite, light colored bowel movements, dark colored urine or yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Convulsions have been reported in patients receiving quinolone antibiotics including LEVAQUIN^®. Tell your physician if you have a history of convulsions. Central nervous system disorders including convulsions, confusion, insomnia, depression, and anxiety may occur after the first dose. Changes in sensation and possible nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) including pain, burning, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness have been reported. Diarrhea that usually ends after treatment is a common problem caused by antibiotics. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, you can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever). This can occur during or up to 2 months after the use of antibiotics.

In a few people, LEVAQUIN^®, like some other antibiotics has been linked to abnormal heart rhythms that can be dangerous. Tell your doctor if you have a history of or currently have low potassium levels, abnormal heart rhythms or are taking any medications for abnormal heart rhythms. LEVAQUIN^® can make your skin sensitive to the sun (photosensitivity) and the light from sunlamps and tanning beds. You could get severe sunburn, blisters, or swelling of your skin. Blood glucose disturbances have been reported with use of quinolones, usually in diabetic patients taking oral anti-diabetes medicines or insulin.

If you develop any of these symptoms or side effects discussed above, contact your healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Safety and efficacy in pregnant women and nursing mothers have not been established. The risk-benefit assessment indicates that LEVAQUIN^® is only appropriate in pediatric patients for treatment of inhalational anthrax (post-exposure). The safety in pediatric patients treated for more than 14 days has not been studied.

Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum, as well as sucralfate, metal cations such as iron, and multivitamin preparations with zinc, or
Videx^®* (didanosine) chewable/buffered tablets or the pediatric powder for oral solution, should not be taken within 2 hours before or after LEVAQUIN^® administration.

The most common adverse drug reactions (≥3%) in US clinical trials were nausea, headache, diarrhea, insomnia, constipation, and dizziness.

For information on Warnings, Precautions, Adverse Reactions Drug Interactions, and Use in Specific Populations, please see Medication Guide and full Product Information, including Boxed Warning.

*Videx is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

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This page was last modified on Oct 28 2008 at 22:40:35 EDT