Cefepime (Injection)

Introduction

Cefepime (SEF-e-peem)

Treats infections caused by bacteria. This medicine is a cephalosporin antibiotic.

Brand Name(s)

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

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 using an aminoglycoside antibiotic (such as amikacin, gentamicin, streptomycin, Amidin®, or Garamycin®) or a diuretic or "water pill" (such as furosemide, Lasix®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a history of colitis (inflammation in gut) or severe diarrhea.
• If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have any of the following symptoms while receiving this medicine: confusion; loss of consciousness; jerking or twitching of the muscles; seizures; seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there; or severe sleepiness.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress 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.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• If you have diabetes, this medicine could affect a urine test for sugar. Clinitest® tablets may not work correctly. Talk to your doctor about the best way to do a urine sugar test.

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
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Confusion or seizures.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Diarrhea that may contain blood.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or body aches.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
• Numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet.
• Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there.
• Severe sleepiness.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

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

• Headache.
• Mild skin rash.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

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 through a needle placed in one of your veins or as a shot into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.