Meropenem Injection

Meropenem injection is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria. Meropenem injection is in a class of medications called carbapenem antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria.

Antibiotics such as meropenem injection will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.

Meropenem injection comes as a powder to be mixed with liquid and injected intravenously (into a vein). It is given every 8 to 24 hours. The length of treatment depends on your general health, the type of infection you have, and how well you respond to the medication. Your doctor will tell you how long to use meropenem injection. After your condition improves, your doctor may switch you to another antibiotic that you can take by mouth to complete your treatment.

You may receive meropenem injection in a hospital, or you may administer the medication at home. If you will be receiving meropenem injection at home, your healthcare provider will show you how to use the medication. Be sure that you understand these directions and ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions.

You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with meropenem injection. If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Use meropenem injection until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop using meropenem injection too soon or if you skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before using meropenem injection,

• tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while using meropenem injection. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had seizures, brain lesions, or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while receiving meropenem injection, call your doctor.
• you should know that meropenem injection may affect mental alertness. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Meropenem injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
• pain
• redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site
• tingling or pricking sensation
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• sores in the mouth or throat

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using meropenem injection and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• seizures
• severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) that may occur with or without fever and stomach cramps (may occur up to 2 months or more after your treatment)
• hives, itching, rash; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, and eyes; difficulty swallowing or breathing; shortness of breath
• flushing
• unusual tiredness or weakness; pale skin; fast or irregular heartbeat
• a return of fever or other signs of infection
• muscle pain or stiffness; dark urine

Meropenem injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Your healthcare provider will tell you how to store your medication. Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand how to store your medication properly.

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to meropenem injection.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the meropenem injection, call your doctor.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

• Merrem^®¶