Ertapenem (Injection)

Introduction:

Ertapenem (er-ta-PEN-em)

Treats infections caused by bacteria. It is also used to prevent infections after colon and rectum surgery. This medicine is an antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or a vein.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using probenecid (Benemid®) or valproic acid (Depakene®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, if you are on dialysis, or if you have a history of seizures, head injury, or brain tumor.
• Tell your doctor about any allergic reactions you have had to a medicine (especially an antibiotic).
• This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have itching; hives; hoarseness; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after you get the injection.
• Do not use this medicine for any condition that has not been checked by a doctor. This antibiotic will not treat the flu or common cold.
• If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Changes in skin color.
• Chest pain.
• Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat.
• Fever.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Red or dark brown urine.
• Seizures.
• Shortness of breath.
• Stomach cramps, pain, or tenderness.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, feet, or legs.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Watery or bloody diarrhea.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Confusion, sleepiness, or mood changes.
• Headache.
• Mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or upset stomach.
• Redness, pain, itching, burning, swelling, irritation, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Vaginal itching or discharge.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: