Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Periostat.
Birth control: Some antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Ask your doctor if you should be using more than one method of birth control while you are taking Periostat.
High blood pressure in the brain: Doxycycline may increase the risk of high blood pressure in the brain. Contact your doctor right away if you experience blurred vision, double vision, and headache.
Esophagus problems: People taking doxycycline have experienced ulcers and injury to their esophagus. To help prevent this, take doxycycline with a full glass of water while standing or sitting upright. Do not lie down for at least 1 to 2 hours after taking the medication.
Infection: Periostat may cause an overgrowth of certain bacteria and fungi. If you experience frequent yeast infections in the mouth (thrush), discuss with your doctor how Periostat may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Periostat, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
The safety and effectiveness of using Periostat for people with oral Candidiasis (thrush) have not been established. If you develop symptoms of infection (e.g., fever, chills) while taking Periostat, contact your doctor.
Stomach problems: People taking Periostat may develop diarrhea caused by an infection with C. difficile bacteria. Get medical attention as soon as possible if you have loose, watery, and bloody bowel movements, with or without fever or stomach cramps, after taking doxycycline. Diarrhea caused by C. difficile infection can lead to serious health problems if it is not properly treated.
Sun sensitivity: Periostat may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Avoid excessive sun exposure, including sun beds and sun lamps, while taking Periostat. If you cannot avoid sun exposure, use sunscreen and protective clothing. Stop taking Periostat and contact your doctor if you get a sunburn.
Tooth development: Using Periostat during tooth development (e.g., the last half of pregnancy, infancy, or childhood up to age 8) may cause a permanent yellow-grey-brown discoloration of the teeth. Periostat should not be used during pregnancy, breast-feeding, or for infants and children under 8 years old unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
Pregnancy: Doxycycline can cause birth defects to the unborn baby if it is taken during pregnancy. It should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Periostat, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Periostat should not be used by breast-feeding women unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking doxycycline, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Periostat have not been established for children under 8 years old.
