cefepime (injection)

What is the most important information I should know about cefepime?

What is cefepime?

Cefepime is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic.

Cefepime injection is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, including severe or life-threatening forms.

Cefepime may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using cefepime?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to an antibiotic;
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• intestinal problems, such as colitis; or
• if you are malnourished.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I use cefepime?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medicine guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Cefepime is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider can teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

You may need to mix cefepime with a liquid (diluent) before using it. Use only the diluent your doctor has recommended.

After mixing your medicine, you will need to use it within a certain number of hours or days. This will depend on the diluent and how you store the mixture (at room temperature or in a refrigerator). When using injections by yourself, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions.

This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take about 30 minutes to complete.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Cefepime will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefepime.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using cefepime?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

What are the possible side effects of cefepime?

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
• confusion, hallucinations;
• trouble speaking, reading, or understanding the words of other people;
• seizure (blackout or convulsions);
• pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding; or
• dark colored urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• fever;
• headache;
• itching, rash; or
• abnormal blood tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect cefepime?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• another injected antibiotic; or
• a diuretic or "water pill."

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect cefepime, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about cefepime.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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