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Factive

gemifloxacin
Used for Lower Respiratory Infection, Pneumonia
Used for Lower Respiratory Infection, Pneumonia

Factive (gemifloxacin) is an oral antibiotic that's used to treat bacterial infections in the lungs. This medication has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 9, 2023
BasicsFAQsInteractionsAlternativesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Factive (gemifloxacin)?

What is Factive (gemifloxacin) used for?

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-ups caused by infection

  • Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)

How Factive (gemifloxacin) works

Drug Facts

Common BrandsFactive (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassFluoroquinolone antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityDiscontinued
faqs

Frequently asked questions about Factive (gemifloxacin)

What is Factive (gemifloxacin)?
Factive (gemifloxacin) is used to treat two types of bacterial lung infections. The first is acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, or when people with a form of COPD called chronic bronchitis have a flare-up due to an infection. The second is community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), meaning you get an infection from the community, rather than in a hospital or other healthcare facility.
Is Factive (gemifloxacin) still available?
No, Factive (gemifloxacin) has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available in the United States. It's not clear why the manufacturer discontinued this medication.
What can I use instead of Factive (gemifloxacin)?
There are other fluoroquinolone antibiotics that are still available in the United States which work similarly to Factive (gemifloxacin). For example, levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin (Cipro) are fluoroquinolone antibiotics that can be used for many types of infections, including some lung infections. But, not all of these antibiotics are appropriate for everyone. Your healthcare provider will decide on the best antibiotic for you based on your medical history and the type of infection you have.
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interactions

Interactions between Factive (gemifloxacin) and other drugs

Factive (gemifloxacin) 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 Factive (gemifloxacin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

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.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

  • Aluminum Carbonate, Basic
  • Aluminum Hydroxide
  • Aluminum Phosphate
  • Aminolevulinic Acid
  • Calcium Carbonate
  • Dihydroxyaluminum Aminoacetate
  • Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate
  • Lanthanum Carbonate
  • Magaldrate
  • Magnesium Carbonate
  • Magnesium Hydroxide
  • Magnesium Oxide
  • Magnesium Trisilicate
  • Sucralfate
alternatives

What are alternatives to Factive (gemifloxacin)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Factive (gemifloxacin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Factive (gemifloxacin)
Used for:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-ups caused by infection

  • Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)

View Prices
Levofloxacin
Used for:
$13.86 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Used for:
$4.06 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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References

Best studies we found

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. (2022). Gemifloxacin mesylate tablets.

Merus Labs. (2019). FACTIVE® (gemifloxacin mesylate) tablets [package insert]. FDA.

Sohy, C., et al. (2002). Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and antibiotics: What studies are still needed? European Respiratory Journal.

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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