Doxycycline Tablets (Lyme Disease)

What is this medication?

DOXYCYCLINE (dox i SYE kleen) treats Lyme disease, an infection caused by the bite of an infected tick. It belongs to a group of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): LYMEPAK

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

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

• Have had a condition that causes increased pressure around the brain
• Stomach or intestine problems, such as colitis
• An unusual or allergic reaction to doxycycline, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. It is best to take this medication on an empty stomach. If it upsets your stomach, you may take it with food. Sit or stand up for at least 30 minutes after you take it. Do not lie down. Take all of this medication unless your care team tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.

Take antacids and other products with aluminum, calcium, magnesium, iron, and bismuth subsalicylate in them at a different time of day than this medication. Talk to your care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 8 years 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. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following

• Acitretin

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Antacids or other products that contain aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium
• Bismuth subsalicylate
• Certain medications for seizures such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone
• Estrogen and progestin hormones
• Isotretinoin
• Warfarin

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 care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team 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 care team if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.

Your body may have a reaction to the dead germs shortly after you take this medication to treat your infection. This means the medication is working, but it can make you feel worse for a short time. Talk to your care team if you have fever, chills, headache, or feel achy after taking this medication. They can help you feel better.

This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious fetal side effects, such as bone and tooth problems, can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy.

Estrogen and progestin hormones may not work as well while you are taking this medication. Your care team can help you find the contraceptive option that works for you.

Do not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 5 days after the last dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Increased pressure around the brain—severe headache, blurry vision, change in vision, nausea, vomiting
• Pain or trouble swallowing
• Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• Severe diarrhea, fever
• Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor

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

• Change in tooth color
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Skin reactions on sun-exposed areas

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 and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix it with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or another unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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.