Ongoing alignment of the
NH Formulary with the BC Health Authorities
Provincial Formulary
Therapeutic Interchange Policy and Restriction
update for: Cefoxitin
The following Restriction and Therapeutic Interchange policy update
will be implemented on June 17 , 2015:
Date: June 10, 2015
Best Practice
Drug Discontinuation
Label Change
Medication Change
Recall
Vendor Change
Drug Shortage
Formulary Update
Cefoxitin is Restricted to:
gynecological/obstetrical infections or
neonates/pediatrics or
infections due to Mycobacterium abscessus

The following adult Therapeutic Interchange Policy will be
implemented for cefoxitin use outside of the restricted indications:
For Adult Patients
For the information of:
physicians, nurses, pharmacists
For further information please
contact:
Nancy Dyck
Medication Use Management
Pharmacist
Northern Health Authority
250-261-7481
Nancy.dyck@
northernhealth.ca
Drug ordered
Cefoxitin
Drug Supplied
cefazolin (same dose) plus
metronidazole 500mg IV
If the ordered interval is less than
or equal to Q8H* (Q4H, Q6H, etc),
Exceptions
obstetric/gynecological
infections,
OR Mycobacterium
abscessus infections
the interval supplied will be Q8H.
If the ordered interval is greater
than Q8H (eg. Q12H), the ordered
interval will be supplied.
*(eg. cefoxitin 1 g IV Q6H =
cefazolin 1 g IV Q8H plus
metronidazole 500 mg IV Q8H)
PLEASE POST
PLEASE POST
*Alternates are provided for clinical information and may not be relevant in all clinical situations
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