What does it do?

Teicoplanin is used to treat bacterial infections.

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney, hearing, or balance problems.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Teicoplanin is given as an infusion or injection into a vein, or as an injection into a muscle. It is usually given to you by a health professional.

What if you forget a dose?

If you miss a dose, contact your health professional as soon as possible.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with teicoplanin including:

• anti-inflammatories, such as diclofenac (e.g. Voltaren®), ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen®), or aspirin (e.g. Disprin®, in doses used for pain relief). These can also be found in some cold and flu medicines (e.g. Nurofen Cold and Flu®).

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Symptoms of allergy including: skin rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing Reduced number of blood cells that fight infections or help your blood to clot - symptoms include: fever, chills, sore throat or generally feeling unwell, or easy or unusual bruising or bleeding Hearing loss, ringing in the ears, unsteadiness	Tell your doctor immediately
Pain, tenderness or redness at injection site	Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• You will need regular blood tests while taking teicoplanin to check if it is causing problems with your kidneys.