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Dificid Coupon - Dificid 200mg tablet

Dificid

fidaxomicin
Used for Diarrhea
Used for Diarrhea

Fidaxomicin, also known by its brand name, Dificid, is a macrolide antibiotic. It's used to treat adults and children 6 months and older with a type of infectious diarrhea called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) diarrhea. Dificid (fidaxomicin) is available as a tablet and suspension (liquid), but it isn't available as a lower-cost generic yet. Dificid (fidaxomicin) is taken by mouth twice per day. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

Last reviewed on June 3, 2024
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What is Dificid (fidaxomicin)?

What is Dificid (fidaxomicin) used for?

How Dificid (fidaxomicin) works

Dificid (fidaxomicin) is a macrolide antibiotic. It kills C. difficile bacteria by stopping them from making important nutrients that they need to grow and survive.

When does Dificid (fidaxomicin) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsDificid
Drug ClassMacrolide antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$6436.60(save 25.51%)
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$4794.30
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What are the side effects of Dificid (fidaxomicin)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Adults
  • Nausea (11%)
  • Vomiting (7%)
  • Stomach pain (6%)
  • Stomach bleeding (4%)
Children

Other Side Effects

  • Indigestion
  • Itching
  • Rash or hives

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, blisters, fever, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing
When do Dificid (fidaxomicin) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach pain

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Abdominal or stomach pain

bloating

bloody or black, tarry stools

chills

confusion

cough

drowsiness

fever

loss of appetite

lower back or side pain

muscle tremors

nausea

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

rapid, deep breathing

restlessness

severe constipation

shortness of breath

sore throat

stomach cramps

troubled breathing with exertion

ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Incidence not known

Difficult or labored breathing

itching skin or rash

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

tightness in the chest

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Abdominal or stomach distension or tenderness

acid or sour stomach

belching

blurred vision

difficulty with swallowing

dry mouth

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

flushed, dry skin

fruit-like breath odor

full feeling

heartburn

increased hunger

increased thirst

increased urination

indigestion

passing gas

stomach discomfort or upset

sweating

troubled breathing

unexplained weight loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Dificid (fidaxomicin)

thumbs-up

Pros

First-choice option for treating C. diff diarrhea

Shown to work better than vancomycin capsules at preventing C. diff infection from coming back

Comes as a tablet and a liquid

Can be used in children as young as 6 months

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Cons

Taken twice per day

Can cause nausea and vomiting as side effects

Must let the liquid sit out of the refrigerator for 15 minutes before you take a dose

No lower-cost generic available

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Dificid (fidaxomicin)

pharmacist
  • Take Dificid (fidaxomicin) exactly as prescribed. Make sure to finish your treatment course, even if you're feeling better. Stopping the medication earlier than prescribed can make your infection come back and become harder to treat.

    • You can take Dificid (fidaxomicin) with or without food. Taking the medication with food might help lessen or ease stomach upset from the antibiotic.

      • Tell your prescriber right away if you have unexplained vomiting or stomach pain or blood in your vomit or stool; you might need more medical attention. Although rare, some people who took Dificid (fidaxomicin) in clinical studies reported having mild stomach bleeding. But it's not completely clear whether the bleeding was due to Dificid (fidaxomicin) or other risk factors for bleeding.

        • Tell your healthcare provider (HCP) if you're pregnant. It isn't known whether this medication is safe to take while pregnant. Your HCP will discuss the risks and benefits of taking Dificid (fidaxomicin) during pregnancy to decide whether it's safe for you and your baby.

          • Ask your prescriber or your baby's primary care provider if it's safe for you to breastfeed while you're taking Dificid (fidaxomicin). It isn't known whether it's safe to breastfeed during treatment. But the medication doesn't seem to get absorbed into the body well, so it might not be expected to cause side effects to your baby.

            More tips for the oral suspension (liquid)

            • The pharmacy will prepare the Dificid (fidaxomicin) suspension before giving it to you. Once prepared, the suspension is good for 12 days. After 12 days, throw away the bottle, even if there's still medication in it. The pharmacy staff typically writes this date on the bottle to help you remember when to throw it away.

              • Store the Dificid (fidaxomicin) suspension in the refrigerator in the original bottle that the pharmacy gave you.

                • When it's time to take your Dificid (fidaxomicin) dose, take the medication out of the refrigerator and let it sit for 15 minutes to warm up. Don't try to warm up the medication any other way (e.g., microwave, oven) because this can damage it.

                  • Shake the bottle well before you measure out the Dificid (fidaxomicin) suspension. Make sure to only use an oral dosing syringe from the pharmacy to measure out your dose. Don't use household spoons because they aren't accurate and using them might cause you to take the wrong dose.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Dificid (fidaxomicin)

                    How well does Dificid (fidaxomicin) work?
                    One study showed that Dificid (fidaxomicin) cured C. diff infections about 90% of the time. A larger 2018 review of a collection of studies also found that Dificid (fidaxomicin) can lower the risk of having a C. diff infection come back by almost 50% when compared to vancomycin capsules (Vancocin, Firvanq).
                    How fast does Dificid (fidaxomicin) work?
                    In studies of adults who took Dificid (fidaxomicin), it took about 3 days for diarrhea to go away after starting Dificid (fidaxomicin). Speak to your prescriber if you're concerned with how quickly Dificid (fidaxomicin) is working for you.
                    How long does Dificid (fidaxomicin) stay in your system?
                    It takes about 2 days for most of Dificid (fidaxomicin) to leave your body after a dose. This time frame is estimated based on the half-life of Dificid (fidaxomicin). Talk with your healthcare team if you have specific concerns about how long this medication stays in your body.
                    Can you take Dificid (fidaxomicin) and vancomycin together?
                    Yes. Dificid (fidaxomicin) and vancomycin capsules (Vancocin, Firvanq) don't interact with each other, so they can be taken together. But keep in mind that the treatment guidelines for C. diff generally recommend Dificid (fidaxomicin) as a first-choice option and vancomycin capsules (Vancocin, Firvanq) as an alternative choice, rather than taking both medications together.
                    Can Dificid (fidaxomicin) cause diarrhea?
                    Diarrhea wasn't reported as a side effect in adults taking Dificid (fidaxomicin). But it was reported in about 7% of children who took the medication. Keep in mind that people take Dificid (fidaxomicin) to treat diarrhea that's specifically caused by a C. diff infection. So it might be hard to tell whether the diarrhea is from the bacterial infection or whether it's a side effect from Dificid (fidaxomicin).
                    Can you drink alcohol with Dificid (fidaxomicin)?
                    It's best to avoid alcohol while you're taking Dificid (fidaxomicin). Alcohol can worsen side effects from the antibiotic, like stomach pain and nausea. It can also make it more difficult for you to recover from an infection. Speak with a healthcare professional about your drinking habits and how to best avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking Dificid (fidaxomicin).
                    Does Dificid (fidaxomicin) make you tired?
                    No, Dificid (fidaxomicin) doesn't typically make you tired. This wasn't a side effect that people who took the medication reported during clinical trials. Keep in mind that tiredness can be a symptom of an active C. diff infection. Talk to your prescriber if you're feeling too tired to the point where you can't go about your day. They can help figure out what might be making you tired.
                    Does Dificid (fidaxomicin) kill good bacteria?
                    Some studies show that Dificid (fidaxomicin) might have activity against some types of "good bacteria", like Lactobacillus. But other studies suggest that the medication doesn't make a significant impact on the good bacteria in your gut. This means that Dificid (fidaxomicin) generally isn't considered harmful to good bacteria. The medication also doesn't typically cause side effects that are related to having too little good bacteria in the gut, such as stomach cramping or bloating. Since Dificid (fidaxomicin) doesn't seem to affect your good bacteria too much, it might not be necessary to take a probiotic while you're getting treated. Talk to a healthcare professional if you have more questions on how Dificid (fidaxomicin) affects good bacteria.
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                    What are the risks and warnings for Dificid (fidaxomicin)?

                    Dificid (fidaxomicin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Allergic reactions

                    • Risk factors: Allergy to other macrolide antibiotics

                      Severe allergic reactions to Dificid (fidaxomicin) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling and anaphylaxis (e.g., closing of the throat). Let your prescriber know if you have an allergy to antibiotics, especially to other macrolide antibiotics like azithromycin (Zithromax). This is because you might be at greater risk for having an allergic reaction to Dificid (fidaxomicin).

                      Call 911 right away if you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after you take Dificid (fidaxomicin).

                      dosage

                      Dificid (fidaxomicin) dosage forms

                      The average cost for 20 tablets of 200mg of Dificid (fidaxomicin) is $4794.30 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 25.51% off the average retail price of $6436.60.
                      ml of oral suspension
                      Ml of oral suspension
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      40mg/ml136 ml$5129.12$37.71
                      tablet
                      Tablet
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      200mg20 tablets$4794.30$239.71

                      Typical dosing for Dificid (fidaxomicin)

                      • Adults and children weighing 27.5 lbs or more: The typical dose is 200 mg (or 5 mL of the suspension) by mouth two times a day for 10 days.

                      • Children weighing between 20 lbs and 27.4 lbs: The typical dose is 160 mg (or 4 mL of the suspension) by mouth two times a day for 10 days.

                      • Children weighing between 15.4 lbs and 19.9 lbs: The typical dose is 120 mg (or 3 mL of the suspension) by mouth two times a day for 10 days.

                      • Children weighing between 9 lbs and 15.3 lbs: The typical dose is 80 mg (or 2 mL of the suspension) by mouth two times a day for 10 days.

                      interactions

                      Interactions between Dificid (fidaxomicin) and other drugs

                      Dificid (fidaxomicin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Dificid (fidaxomicin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                      How much does Dificid (fidaxomicin) cost?

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                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Dificid (fidaxomicin)?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Dificid (fidaxomicin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Dificid (fidaxomicin)
                      Used for:
                      $4794.30 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Used for:
                      • Infectious diarrhea caused by Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)

                      • Gut inflammation (enterocolitis) caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)

                      $46.94 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Used for:
                      $8.07 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      images

                      Dificid (fidaxomicin) images

                      White Oblong Fdx And 200 - DIFICID 200mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "200" And "Fdx".White Oblong Fdx And 200 - DIFICID 200mg Tablet

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                      References

                      Best studies we found
                      View All References (8)

                      Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). (2021). Fidaxomicin. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                      Golan, Y., et al. (2012). Safety and efficacy of fidaxomicin in the treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology.

                      Louie, T. J., et al. (2011). Fidaxomicin versus vancomycin for Clostridium difficile infection. The New England Journal of Medicine.

                      Louie, T. J., et al. (2012). Fidaxomicin preserves the intestinal microbiome during and after treatment of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and reduces both toxin reexpression and recurrence of CDI. Clinical Infectious Diseases.

                      Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. (2023). Dificid- fidaxomicin tablet, film coated; Dificid- fidaxomicin granule, for suspension [package insert].

                      Song, J. H., et al. (2019). Recurrent Clostridium difficile infection: Risk factors, treatment, and prevention. Gut and Liver.

                      Weiss, K., et al. (2012). Safety analysis of fidaxomicin in comparison with oral vancomycin for Clostridium difficile infections. Clinical Infectious Diseases.

                      Zhanel, G. G., et al. (2015). Fidaxomicin: A novel agent for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection. The Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases & Medical Microbiology.

                      GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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