ceftaroline
What is the most important information I should know about ceftaroline?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
What is ceftaroline?
Ceftaroline is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic that is used to treat skin infections caused by bacteria in adults and newborns (at least 34 weeks gestational age and 12 days postnatal age).
Ceftaroline is also used to treat pneumonia caused by bacteria in adults and children 2 months of age and older.
Ceftaroline may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ceftaroline?
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to cefadroxil or other cephalosporin antibiotic (cefdinir, cefalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- a seizure;
- an allergy to any drugs (especially penicillins);
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or
- intestinal problems, such as colitis.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How is ceftaroline given?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Ceftaroline is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may 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.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Ceftaroline should look clear or yellow in color. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
This medicine must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take up at least 1 hour to complete.
Ceftaroline must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. When using injections by yourself, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine. Do not mix ceftaroline in the same injection with other antibiotics.
Do not mix ceftaroline in the same injection with other antibiotics.
Ceftaroline is sometimes given for up to 14 days. 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. Ceftaroline will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Store unmixed ceftaroline powder at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
After mixing ceftaroline with a diluent, you may store the mixture for up to 6 hours at room temperature, or up to 24 hours in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
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.
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?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using ceftaroline?
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 ceftaroline?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
- little or no urination;
- a seizure;
- drowsiness, tiredness, confusion, thinking problems;
- low potassium --leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, muscle weakness or limp feeling; or
- low blood cell counts -- sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, cold or flu symptoms, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.
Common side effects may include:
- nausea;
- diarrhea; or
- rash.
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 ceftaroline?
Other drugs may affect ceftaroline, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
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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