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Nuvessa gel

Generic name: metronidazole [ MET-roe-NID-a-zole ]
Brand name: Examples include MetroGel Vaginal and Nuvessa

Nuvessa gel is used for:

Treating certain bacterial infections of the vagina (bacterial vaginosis). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Nuvessa gel is an antiprotozoal and antibacterial. It works by killing sensitive bacteria.

Do NOT use Nuvessa gel if:

  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Nuvessa gel, to other nitroimidazoles (eg, tinidazole), or to parabens
  • you have taken disulfiram within the past 2 weeks

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Nuvessa gel:

Some medical conditions may interact with Nuvessa gel. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
  • if you have brain or nerve problems, blood problems (eg, low white blood cell or platelet levels), or a history of liver problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Nuvessa gel. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

  • Disulfiram because side effects, such as mental or mood changes, may occur
  • Cimetidine because it may increase the risk of Nuvessa gel's side effects
  • Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or lithium because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Nuvessa gel

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Nuvessa gel may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Nuvessa gel:

Use Nuvessa gel as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

  • An extra patient leaflet is available with Nuvessa gel. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
  • Nuvessa gel is for vaginal use only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you get it in your eyes, rinse right away with a generous amount of cool water.
  • Wash your hands before and after using Nuvessa gel.
  • If you are using Nuvessa gel once daily, use it at bedtime.
  • Follow how to use as you have been told by your doctor or read the package insert.
  • To clear up your infection completely, use Nuvessa gel for the full course of treatment. Keep using it even if you feel better in a few days.
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • If you miss a dose of Nuvessa gel, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Nuvessa gel.

Important safety information:

  • Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Nuvessa gel before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
  • Check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while you use Nuvessa gel. You may need to avoid drinking alcohol while using Nuvessa gel and for some time after your last dose.
  • Do not have vaginal sexual intercourse while you are using Nuvessa gel.
  • Be sure to use Nuvessa gel for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
  • Long-term or repeated use of Nuvessa gel may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.
  • Check with your doctor before you use any other medicines or products (eg, tampons, douches) in your vagina.
  • Nuvessa gel may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are using Nuvessa gel.
  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Nuvessa gel while you are pregnant. It is not known if this medicine is found in breast milk after vaginal use. Do not breast-feed while using Nuvessa gel.

Possible side effects of Nuvessa gel:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; headache; minor vaginal irritation; nausea; painful menstrual period; pelvic discomfort.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); numbness, tingling, or burning of your arms, hands, legs, or feet; seizures; severe or persistent vaginal irritation; stomach pain; unusual vaginal odor, itching, or discharge.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Nuvessa gel:

Store Nuvessa gel at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Do not freeze or refrigerate. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Nuvessa gel out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

  • If you have any questions about Nuvessa gel, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • Nuvessa gel is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take Nuvessa gel or any other medicine. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about Nuvessa gel. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Nuvessa gel. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using Nuvessa gel.

Issue Date: June 3, 2015

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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