Meropenem Injection

What is this medication?

MEROPENEM (mer oh PEN em) is a carbapenem antibiotic. It treats some infections caused by bacteria. It will not work for colds, the flu, or other viruses.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Merrem

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

• brain tumor
• kidney disease
• seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to meropenem, other antibiotics or medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This drug is injected into a vein. It is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this drug at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Use exactly as directed. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your health care provider tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or health care provider to get one.

Talk to your health care provider about the use of this drug in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as newborns for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your health care provider if you are unable to keep an appointment. If you give yourself this drug at home and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• birth control pills
• probenecid
• valproic acid

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. Tell your doctor or health care provider if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

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

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• bloody or watery diarrhea
• fever
• fever with rash, swollen lymph nodes, or swelling of the face
• pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected
• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
• rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• seizures
• unusual bleeding or bruising

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

• constipation
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach pain
• vaginal discharge, itching, or odor in women

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

You will be instructed on how to store this drug. Throw away any unused drug after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.