Bactroban 2% Cream 15g

BACTROBAN(R) CREAM

Mupirocin

Consumer Medicine Information

What is in this leaflet?

Please read this leaflet carefully before you use BACTROBAN, or before helping someone else to use BACTROBAN.

This leaflet answers some common questions about BACTROBAN. It does not contain all of the available information.

It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Sometimes new risks are found even when a medicine has been used for many years. Your doctor has weighed the expected benefits of you using BACTROBAN against the risks this medicine could have for you.

If you have any concerns about using this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet with the medicine.

You may need to read it again.

What is BACTROBAN used for?

BACTROBAN cream contains mupirocin (2% w/w) as the active ingredient.

Mupirocin is an antibiotic. Antibiotics work by killing bacteria which can cause infection.

BACTROBAN cream can be used to treat small wounds which have become infected. These wounds may include small cuts and abrasions or stitches. BACTROBAN cream is for use on your skin only.

Your doctor may have prescribed BACTROBAN for another reason.

There is no evidence that BACTROBAN is addictive.

Before you use BACTROBAN

Do not use BACTROBAN if:

  • you are allergic to mupirocin or any of the other ingredients contained in this medicine. The ingredients are listed at the end of this leaflet. Signs of an allergic reaction may include an itchy skin rash, shortness of breath and swelling of the face or tongue.
  • you have used BACTROBAN cream before and became unwell.
  • you have had an allergic reaction (such as a rash) to another cream or ointment which contained any of the ingredients in BACTROBAN cream. Check with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack has passed.
  • the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering
  • Tell your doctor if:

  • you are allergic to foods, dyes, preservatives or any other medicines.
  • you are using any other medicines, including medicines you buy without a prescription.
  • you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. The use of BACTROBAN cream has not been studied in pregnant women.
  • you are breast feeding. The use of BACTROBAN cream has not been studied in women who are breast feeding.
  • How do I use BACTROBAN?

    Follow your doctor`s instructions about how and when to use BACTROBAN cream. Please read the direction label carefully.

    If you have any questions about BACTROBAN cream and how to use it, please ask your doctor or pharmacist.

    How much BACTROBAN to use:

    Use BACTROBAN as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

    Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how many times to apply the cream.

    How and when to use BACTROBAN:

    Always wash your hands before and after applying BACTROBAN cream.

    Squeeze a small amount onto your finger-tip and apply to the affected area three times each day. Your doctor may tell you to cover the area with a dressing after you have applied BACTROBAN cream.

    How long to use BACTROBAN for:

    Use BACTROBAN cream for as long as your doctor or pharmacist tells you to. BACTROBAN treatment is usually for upto 10 days.

    Do not stop using BACTROBAN, or change the dose without first checking with your doctor.

    If you miss a dose of BACTROBAN:

    If you forget an application, apply some BACTROBAN cream as soon as you can, then continue as before.

    Use in children:

    Do not apply BACTROBAN cream to children under 2 years of age unless instructed by your doctor. Use in young children has not been studied.

  • What do I do if I use too much BACTROBAN? (Overdose)

    Problems of overdose with this medicine are unlikely. However if you or someone else has swallowed a large quantity of BACTROBAN cream, immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone 131126) for advice, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

    If you are not sure what to do, contact your doctor, pharmacist or nearest hospital.

    While you are using BACTROBAN

    Things you must do:

    Tell your doctor if, for any reason, you have not used your medicine exactly as directed.

    Otherwise, your doctor may think that it was not working as it should and change your treatment unnecessarily.

    Stop using BACTROBAN cream and tell your doctor if you develop an allergic reaction (such as a rash, local pain or swelling).

    If BACTROBAN cream is accidentally applied to the eyes, wash the eyes thoroughly with water.

    Things you must not do:

    Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar to yours.

    Do not use BACTROBAN to treat any other complaints unless your doctor says to.

    Do not mix BACTROBAN cream with any other preparation. They may prevent BACTROBAN cream from working.

    What are the side-effects?

    Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you think you are experiencing any side effects or allergic reactions due to using BACTROBAN, even if the problem is not listed below.

    BACTROBAN cream is generally well tolerated. However, like other medicines, BACTROBAN can cause some side-effects. If they occur, they are most likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.

    Headache, nausea and diarrhoea have been reported in people treated with BACTROBAN cream.

    Allergic reactions can occur if BACTROBAN cream is applied to open or infected wounds.

    Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

  • Wheezing, swelling of the lips/mouth, difficulty in breathing, hayfever, lumpy rash (hives) or fainting. These could be symptoms of an allergic reaction.
  • This is not a complete list of all possible side-effects. Others may occur in some people and there may be some side-effects not yet known.

    Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any side effects from your medicine which are not mentioned here.

    Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side-effects. You may not experience any of them.

    This medicine does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

    How do I store BACTROBAN?

    You should keep BACTROBAN cream in the original pack at room temperature (about 25 degrees C). Do not freeze the cream.

    Keep this medicine where children cannot reach it, such as in a locked cupboard.

    Do not leave in a car, on a window sill or in the bathroom.

    Return any unused or expired medicine to your pharmacist.

    Product description

    What BACTROBAN looks like:

    BACTROBAN cream is a white cream supplied in tubes.

    Ingredients:

    BACTROBAN contains the active ingredient mupirocin.

    BACTROBAN also contains the following inactive ingredients: xanthan gum, liquid paraffin, cetomacrogol 1000, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol and water.

    Manufacturer:

    Your BACTROBAN is made by:

  • GlaxoSmithKline Australia Pty Ltd
  • 1061 Mountain Highway
  • Boronia
  • Victoria, 3155
  • Australia.
  • Tel: (03) 9721 6000
  • Where to go for further information:

    Pharmaceutical companies are not in a position to give people an individual diagnosis or medical advice. Your doctor or pharmacist is the best person to give you advice on the treatment of your condition.

    BACTROBAN cream is only available if prescribed by a doctor.

    BACTROBAN is also available as a topical or nasal ointment.

  • BACTROBAN 2% cream is available as a 15g tube: (AUST R 63542)
  • The information provided applies only to BACTROBAN(R)
  • (R)BACTROBAN is a registered trademark of the GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies.
  • This leaflet is subject to copyright.
  • BACTROBAN Cream Issue 2
  • Prepared on 23rd June 2003.
  • ENQUIRE

    1800 200 736