Linezolid information: what you need to know about monitoring for side effects

Read our guide below about your treatment.You should read this information alongside the manufacturer’s patient information leaflet.

You can also download a PDF version of this patient information by following the link on the right.

Understanding linezolid

Read the information about Linezolid carefully. If you have any questions, or there’s anything you’re unsure about, ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain things to you.

You must always carry a copy of this information while using linezolid (you can download it in pdf format by following the link on the right). Show it to any doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or nurse who is treating you so that they know what medicine you’re taking.

You’ll need to be monitored if you’re using linezolid for more than 1 week. This medicine can only be prescribed by a hospital doctor, not your GP.

You can only get your prescription for this medicine from a hospital pharmacy. You can’t get it from your community pharmacy.

What is linezolid and what are the benefits?

It’s an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by germs known as gram positive organisms such as staphylococcal infection.

The doctor can give it to you as a tablet or liquid. This means that you may not need to have an intravenous drip to get your antibiotic. You may be able to have part of your treatment at home.

How do I take linezolid?

You should take it twice a day every 12 hours, for example at 8am and 8pm. You can take it before, with or after food.

How will I be monitored?

Linezolid can reduce the production of blood cells, making you susceptible to infections and anaemia. Blood tests will show if you develop any side effects. If you’re affected we’ll review your treatment.

Weekly blood tests

We’ll check your blood before you start treatment and weekly during treatment. You’ll need to come to hospital to have your blood taken. You can have bloods taken at the phlebotomy department at the hospital or by appointment with your GP practice.

Taking other medicines

Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicines, herbal remedies or supplements. This includes medicines you can buy at a garage, newsagents, supermarket or chemist.

Tell your doctor or speak to the Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT ) team immediately if you have:

• infections including fever, chills or a sore throat
• an unexplained skin rash, ulceration or soreness of the skin
• yellowing of the skin or generalised itching
• bleeding gums, black tarry stools or unexpected bleeding or bruising
• severe or recurrent diarrhoea, vomiting or stomach pain
• any changes to your eyesight, for example, blurred vision, colour changes or problems with peripheral vision.

OPAT service

01296 315485 or 07810 181584

7 days, 8.30am to 4.30pm

Outside these hours, contact your doctor or go to A&E.

How can I help reduce healthcare associated infections?

Infection prevention and control is important to the wellbeing of our patients so we have procedures in place. Keeping your hands clean is an effective way of preventing the spread of infections.

You, and anyone visiting you, must use the hand sanitiser available at the entrance to every ward before coming in and after you leave. You may need to wash your hands at the sink using soap and water. Hand sanitisers are not suitable for dealing with patients who have symptoms of diarrhoea.

More help or advice

Contact our patient advice and liaison service (PALS) on 01296 316042 or bht.pals@nhs.net