Ertapenem, Injection

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is given by IV or by injection to treat infections or to reduce the risk for infections caused by bacteria.
• If you develop severe diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts more than 2 or 3 days while taking this medicine, or for several weeks after you stop taking this medicine, contact your healthcare provider right away.
• Keep all appointments for tests to see how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine may cause unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

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What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antibiotic

Generic and brand names: ertapenem, injection; Invanz

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is an antibiotic given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) or by IM injection (a shot into a large muscle). It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. It does not cure viral infections such as colds and the flu. This medicine may also be used before certain types of surgery to decrease the risk of infection.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Tell your healthcare provider if you have every had:

• An allergic reaction to any medicine
• A brain tumor or head injury
• Kidney disease
• Seizures

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

You will usually be given this medicine by your healthcare provider while you are in the hospital. You will be closely watched to be sure that you do not develop any serious side effects. This medicine may be given for up to 14 days.

Sometimes this medicine may be given at home. When using this medicine at home, be sure you know exactly how and when to take it. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider. Check with your healthcare provider before using this medicine in children under 3 months of age.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine may cause or worsen diarrhea. If you develop severe diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts more than 2 or 3 days while taking this medicine, or for several weeks after you stop taking this medicine, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not take medicine to treat diarrhea without your provider's approval.

Your healthcare provider will check you regularly to be sure you do not develop a new infection (such as a fungus infection). You may need to have blood tests to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments.

This medicine may make you feel dizzy or drowsy, or cause blurred vision. Do not drive or operate machinery while you are being treated with this medicine unless you are fully alert.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse after you leave the hospital.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away.): Seizures; severe or bloody diarrhea; fever or shaking chills; fast heartbeat; severe confusion or nervousness; trouble walking; severe drowsiness; unusual tiredness or weakness.

Other: Nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea, headache, dizziness, irritation at injection site, abdominal pain, constipation, vaginal infection, trouble sleeping, mild drowsiness.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these medicines together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• Probenecid
• Valproic acid (Depacon, Depakene, Depakote)

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.