Arestin

What is ARESTIN?

(ARESTIN) This medication is used to treat adult gum disease (periodontitis). Minocycline belongs to a class of drugs known as tetracycline antibiotics. It works by preventing the growth of bacteria. This medication is a powder that your dental professional places into infected tooth pockets. Minocycline is then slowly released over the next several weeks.

How should I use ARESTIN?

The dental professional will prepare each dose before placing this product into the infected tooth pocket(s). The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. After this medication is placed in your tooth pocket(s), do not touch any treated areas for 7 days. Avoid using treated teeth to chew, and do not eat hard, crunchy, or chewy foods for 7 days. Do not floss or clean between teeth treated with the medicine for 10 days after treatment. Follow your dentist's directions carefully. Your dental professional may apply a second treatment with this product. Keep all of your dental appointments while using this medication. Tell your dentist if your condition lasts or gets worse.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take ARESTIN?

Before using minocycline, tell your dentist or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other tetracyclines; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your dentist or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: past/current fungal infections of the mouth/vagina (such as thrush, yeast infection). This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Children younger than 8 years may be more sensitive to the side effects of minocycline, especially tooth discoloration. Tooth discoloration has also occurred in older children and young adults. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with the doctor. Tell your dentist if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using minocycline. Minocycline may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your dentist or doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your dentist or doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with ARESTIN?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

What if I miss a dose of ARESTIN?

Not applicable.

What side effects may I notice from receiving ARESTIN?

Headache, gum discomfort/pain/soreness or toothache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your dentist or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your dentist has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your dentist right away if you have any serious side effects, including: tooth loosening, jaw pain. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep ARESTIN?

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.