WHAT IS Adoxa/Doxycycline TABLETS?

Adoxa/DOXYCYCLINE is a Sumycin/tetracycline antibiotic. It kills certain bacteria or stops their growth. It is used to treat many kinds of infections, like dental, skin, respiratory, and urinary tract infections. It also treats acne, Lyme disease, malaria, and certain sexually transmitted infections. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Adoxa/Doxycycline?

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

• unusual bleeding or bruising
• fever
• difficulty breathing
• itching in the rectal or genital area
• severe stomach pain or cramps
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• pain on swallowing

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

• loss of appetite
• diarrhea
• nausea, vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

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 SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Adoxa/Doxycycline?

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

• stomach problems like colitis
• breast-feeding
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to Adoxa/doxycycline, Sumycin/tetracycline antibiotics, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• long exposure to sunlight like working outdoors
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Adoxa/Doxycycline?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve.

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.

Do not take this medicine just before going to bed. It may not dissolve properly when you lay down and can cause pain in your throat. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine to also help reduce irritation in your throat.

This medicine 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 use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.

If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted infection, avoid sexual contact until you have finished your treatment. Your sexual partner may also need treatment.

Avoid antacids, aluminum, Phoslo/calcium, magnesium, and iron products for 4 hours before and 2 hours after taking a dose of this medicine.

If you are using this medicine to prevent malaria, you should still protect yourself from contact with mosquitos. Stay in screened-in areas, use mosquito nets, keep your body covered, and use an insect repellent.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Adoxa/Doxycycline?

Store at room temperature, below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Taking this medicine after the expiration date can make you seriously ill.

Keep out of the reach of children.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Adoxa/Doxycycline?

• methoxyflurane
• Coumadin/warfarin
• antacids
• barbiturates
• Dilantin er/phenytoin
• vitamins that contain iron
• bismuth subsalicylate
• Tegretol/carbamazepine
• birth control pills
• other antibiotics

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers 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.

HOW SHOULD I USE Adoxa/Doxycycline?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. It is best to take this medicine without food, but if it upsets your stomach take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 8 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 is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.