Altabax (Retapamulin)

Also Known as Altargo

Prescription medicineOnly Available By Prescription
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Strength Pack Size Qty
Strength
1%
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What if I find a lower price with another pharmacy?

We guarantee the lowest price on all of our prescription products. If you find your medications cheaper at any other recognized licensed mail order pharmacy, we will not only match their price, we will beat it by 25% of the difference. It is our 125% price match guarantee!

Example: If you find a product on Canada Drugs Direct for $50.00 and find the same product for $40.00 at another mail order pharmacy, we will provide you with a $12.50 discount, bringing your total to $37.50.

To get the discount please make sure to mention the price match to the customer service team when they call to collect payment for your order. Or call toll free at 1-888-904-8467 to place the order through the phone.

Terms & Conditions of Program

  • Guaranteed lowest price is only valid at the time of sale.
  • We will only match the current advertised price.
  • Products must be identical and in stock at the time of placing an order with a licensed mail order pharmacy. They must be an online Canadian pharmacy with an address in Canada.
  • Products must be authentic in brand and size (same manufacturer, same country of manufacture, same pack size, same strength and same quantity).
  • Products must be new. We cannot match the price of any used, short expiry or expired product.
  • Price match can only be issued over the phone with our customer service team. Please note at this time we cannot offer price matching for the products Ozempic or Saxenda.
What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Description

Altabax is a prescription ointment used to treat impetigo in patients nine months of age and older. It is suitable for use in both children and adults.

Impetigo is a type of skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The infection is more common in children than adults. Common symptoms include red sores on the face -- particularly around the nose and mouth. 

Altabax works by blocking the synthesis of proteins that are critical for bacterial growth. Since it only works on certain types of bacteria, your doctor may need to test the infection to identify the bacteria causing it.

Fact Table

Formula

C30H47NO4S

License

US FDA, EU EMA

Bioavailability

Low

Legal status

Rx-only

Chemical Name

Retapamulin

Elimination half-life

Undetermined

Dosage (Strength)

1%

Pregnancy

No Known Risk

Brands

Altabax, Altargo

Protein binding

94%

PubChem CID

6918462

MedlinePlus

a607049

ChEBI

166679

ATC code

D06AX13

DrugBank

DB01256

KEGG

D05720

Routes of administration

Topical

Directions

Apply a thin layer to the affected area twice daily for up to five days. Do not stop the medication sooner than directed by your healthcare provider. Doing so may lead to drug resistance.

Wash the hands after application. For young children, a sterile bandage or gauze can be applied to the area to prevent them from touching the medication.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Altabax is retapamulin.

Interactions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medications you are taking before starting Altabax. Common interactions may include:

  • Atazanavir
  • Ceritinib
  • Clarithromycin
  • Cobicistat
  • Darunavir
  • Idelalisib
  • Indinavir
  • Itraconazole
  • Ketoconazole
  • Lonafarnib
  • Lopinavir
  • Mifepristone
  • Nefazodone
  • Nelfinavir
  • Ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir
  • Posaconazole
  • Ritonavir
  • Saquinavir
  • Telithromycin
  • Tucatinib
  • Voriconazole

Cautions

Call your doctor and stop taking Altabax if you experience a severe skin reaction after starting Altabax.

Do not ingest Altabax.

This medication should not be used in the mouth, eyes, nose, or genitals.

Side Effects

Common side effects with this medication can include:

  • Angioedema
  • Application site burning
  • Application site irritation
  • Application site pain
  • Application site pruritus
  • Contact dermatitis
  • Diarrhea
  • Eczema
  • Epistaxis
  • Erythema
  • Headache
  • Hypersensitivity reaction
  • Increased creatinine phosphokinase
  • Nasopharyngitis
  • Nausea

References

  1. Altabax [package insert]. Research Triangle Park, NC: GlaxoSmithKline; 2012.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.

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