How to take ORTREX?

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.

How much to take

Your doctor will tell you how much to take depending on your weight.

Adults

Treatment of invasive fungal infections

The usual dose of ORTREX Tablets in adults weighing 40 kg and greater is 400 mg (two 200 mg tablets twice a day) for the first day and then 200 mg to 300 mg twice a day thereafter.

The usual dose of ORTREX Oral Suspension in adults weighing 40 kg and greater is 10 ml twice a day for the first day and then 5 ml twice a day.

In adults weighing less than 40 kg the dose of ORTREX Tablets and Oral Suspension is halved.

The usual dose of ORTREX IV is 6 mg/kg every 12 hours for the first day. The dose is then adjusted to 3 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg every 12 hours, depending on the type of infection you have.

Prevention of invasive fungal infections.

The usual dose is 6 mg/kg every 12 hours for the first day, given by injection. The dose is then adjusted to 4 mg/kg every 12 hours by injection or, in adults weighing 40 kg and greater, one 200 mg tablet twice a day or 5 ml oral suspension twice a day.

In adults weighing less than 40 kg the dose of ORTREX Tablets and Oral Suspension is halved.

Children

ORTREX should not be given to a child under the age of 2 years.

Your doctor will determine the dose of ORTREX required for your child.

Depending on how serious the infection is and how your child reacts to the medicine, your doctor may increase or decrease the dose.

Adolescents (12-16 years of age)

Adolescents aged 12-16 years of age are usually given the same dose as adults.

How to take it

ORTREX needs to be taken regularly to be effective.

Tablets

Take ORTREX tablets at least one hour before or one hour after a meal.

Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. Oral Suspension

Take ORTREX Oral Suspension at least one hour before or one hour after a meal.

Your pharmacist should advise you how to measure ORTREX Oral Suspension using the multi-dosing syringe provided in the pack.

ORTREX Oral Suspension should not be mixed with any other medication.

Please see instructions below before using ORTREX Oral Suspension.

    1.  Shake the bottle well before use.
    2.  Remove cap and insert the tip of the syringe into the adaptor while the bottle is upright.
    3.  Turn the bottle upside down while holding the syringe in place. Slowly pull back the plunger of the syringe until the           required amount of ORTREX Oral Suspension is withdrawn from the bottle.
    4.  If large bubbles can be seen, slowly push the plunger back into the syringe. This will force the medicine back into           the bottle. Repeat step 3 again.
    5.  Turn the bottle back upright and then remove the syringe.
    6.  ut the tip of the syringe into the mouth and point towards the inside of the cheek. SLOWLY push down the plunger         of thesyringe. Do not squirt the suspension out quickly. If the medicine is to be given to a child, make sure the child         is sitting or is held upright.
    7.  Replace the bottle cap.

Cleaning and storing the syringe:

    1. The syringe should be rinsed after each dose. Pull the plunger out of the syringe and wash both parts by holding
        under warm running water.
    2. Dry the two parts. Push the plunger back into the syringe. Keep it in a clean safe place with the medicine.

ORTREX IV

ORTREX IV is given as an injection by a doctor or trained nurse.

ORTREX IV is a powder which is mixed with Water for Injections and then diluted by your pharmacist or doctor. It is then given by injection into a vein.

When to take it

Take your medicine regularly at about the same time each day.

Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take it.

How long to take it

The length of time you take ORTREX will depend on the type of infection you have.

If you have a weakened immune system or a difficult infection, you may need long-term treatment to prevent the infection from returning.

You may be switched from the injection to ORTREX Tablets or Oral Suspension once your condition improves.

Continue taking ORTREX for as long as your doctor or pharmacist recommends. Do not stop taking ORTREX because you are feeling better.

If you do not complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, the infection may not clear completely or your symptoms may return.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take one dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.
This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.
If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.
ORTREX IV will be given to you under close medical supervision. It is unlikely that a dose would be missed.
However, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you think that a dose has been forgotten.

If you take too much (overdose)

Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (Phone Australia 13 11 26 or New Zealand 0800 POISON or 0800 764 766) for advice or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital, if you think you or anyone else may have taken too much ORTREX. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

You may need urgent medical attention.

Symptoms of an overdose may include upset stomach, diarrhoea, headache and sensitivity to light.