Tobramycin powder for inhalation

What is this medication?

TOBRAMYCIN (toe bra MYE sin) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. It is used to treat or prevent certain kinds of bacterial infections in the lungs. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): TOBI Podhaler

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•balance problems

•hearing problems

•kidney disease

•myasthenia gravis

•Parkinson's disease

•an unusual or allergic reaction to tobramycin, other aminoglycosides or medicines, sulfites, foods, dyes or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for inhalation. You breathe this medicine in through your mouth and into your lungs. You will be taught how to take this medicine. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

You will get an information sheet with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. This sheet may change.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Take your doses at least 6 hours apart. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

•cidofovir

•cisplatin

•colistin

•ethacrynic acid

•furosemide

•mannitol

•other aminoglycoside antibiotics

•polymyxin

•urea

•vancomycin

•viomycin

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

•birth control pills

•diuretics

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional as directed. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

This medicine may cause a decrease in vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. You should make sure that you get enough vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 while you are taking this medicine. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care professional.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•breathing problems

•change in amount or color of urine

•change in hearing

•dizziness

•fever or infection

•loss of balance

•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

•unusual bleeding or bruising

•unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•diarrhea

•changes in voice

•cough

•headache

•nausea, vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medicine in the original container. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.