17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
Tooth Discoloration and Inhibition of Bone Growth
Advise pregnant women that TYGACIL may cause permanent discoloration of deciduous teeth and reversible inhibition of bone growth when administered during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7, 5.8) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.4)].
Lactation
Advise a woman not to breastfeed for longer than 3 weeks while taking TYGACIL because of the lack of data on effects due to prolonged breastfeeding, and the theoretical risk of dental discoloration and inhibition of bone growth. Women may also consider reducing infant exposure through pumping and discarding breastmilk during and for 9 days after the last dose of tigecycline [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].
Diarrhea
Advise patients, their families, or caregivers that diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibacterial drugs, including TYGACIL. Sometimes, frequent watery or bloody diarrhea may occur and may be a sign of a more serious intestinal infection. If severe watery or bloody diarrhea develops, advise patients to contact his or her healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].
Development of Resistance
Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including TYGACIL should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When TYGACIL is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by TYGACIL or other antibacterial drugs in the future.