Bactroban 2% Nasal Ointment 3g

BACTROBAN(R) NASAL OINTMENT

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 nasal ointment contains mupirocin (2% w/w) as the active ingredient.

Mupirocin is an antibiotic. Antibiotics work by killing bacteria which can cause infection. BACTROBAN nasal ointment is used to remove the bacteria called `Staphylococcus aureus` (golden staph.) from inside your nose. BACTROBAN nasal ointment is for use in your nose 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 nasal ointment 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 nasal ointment. 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 nasal ointment has not been studied in pregnant women.
  • you are breast feeding. The use of BACTROBAN nasal ointment 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 nasal ointment. Please read the direction label carefully.

    If you have any questions about BACTROBAN nasal ointment 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.

    BACTROBAN nasal ointment is usually applied two or three times a day. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how many times to apply the ointment.

    How and when to use BACTROBAN:

    Always wash your hands before and after applying BACTROBAN nasal ointment.

    Squeeze a small amount onto the tip of your little finger and apply to the inside of each nostril. Gently press your nostrils together to help spread the ointment throughout your nose.

    How long to use BACTROBAN for:

    Use BACTROBAN nasal ointment for as long as your doctor or pharmacist tells you to. BACTROBAN nasal ointment is usually applied for between 5 and 7 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 nasal ointment as soon as you can, then continue as before.

    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 nasal ointment, 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 nasal ointment and tell your doctor if you develop an allergic reaction (such as a rash, local pain or swelling).

    If BACTROBAN nasal ointment 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 nasal ointment with any other preparation. They may prevent BACTROBAN nasal ointment 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.

    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.

    Most unwanted effects following BACTROBAN nasal ointment are mild and occur in the area where the ointment is applied. Some people may develop irritation, tingling, burning, stinging, soreness, post nasal drip, sinus pain, runny or blocked nose, sneezing, facial pain or conjunctivitis when applying BACTROBAN nasal ointment, but this should quickly go away.

    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 nasal ointment in the original pack at room temperature (about 25 degrees C). Do not freeze the ointment.

    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 nasal ointment is a white ointment supplied in 3g tubes.

    Ingredients:

    BACTROBAN contains the active ingredient mupirocin.

    BACTROBAN also contains the following inactive ingredients: white soft paraffin and Softisan 649 (a mixture of natural vegetable fatty acids).

    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 nasal ointment is only available if prescribed by a doctor.

    BACTROBAN is also available as a topical ointment and cream.

  • BACTROBAN 2% nasal ointment is available in 3g tubes: (AUST R 11199)
  • 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 Nasal Ointment Issue 2
  • Prepared on 23rd June 2003.
  • ENQUIRE

    1800 200 736