Ertapenem injection

What is ertapenem injection?

ERTAPENEM (Invanz®) is an antibiotic. Ertapenem kills bacteria that cause infection. This drug treats many kinds of infections, including those of the skin, stomach, respiratory tract, and urinary tract. It also treats certain infections in women (gynecological or pelvic infections). Generic ertapenem injection is not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive ertapenem?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• brain tumor or lesion

• head injury

• kidney disease

• seizures (convulsions)

• stomach disease

• other chronic illness

• an unusual or allergic reaction to ertapenem, carbapenem antibiotics, penicillins, cephalosporin antibiotics, amide local anesthetics such as lidocaine, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Ertapenem is for injection into a muscle or infusion into a vein. Ertapenem is usually given in a hospital or clinic for severe infections. If you are to give yourself ertapenem at home, follow the directions on the prescription label. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice. Make sure you understand how to store, mix and give yourself ertapenem. Ask your prescriber or health care professional if you have any questions.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with ertapenem?

• probenecid

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking ertapenem?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not begin to improve in a few days.

If you get severe, watery or bloody diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

What side effects may I notice from receiving ertapenem?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• chest pain

• difficulty breathing, wheezing

• edema or fluid retention

• fever or chills, sore throat

• pain, swelling and irritation at the injection site

• seizures (convulsions)

• severe, watery or bloody diarrhea

• skin rash, itching

• stomach pain

• unusual weakness or tiredness

• vaginal irritation or itching

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• difficulty sleeping

• headache

• heartburn

• mild diarrhea of short duration

• nausea, vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the dry powder for injection at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused injection solution. Do not freeze.