Cefepime injection

What is cefepime injection?

CEFEPIME (Maxipime®) is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It treats many kinds of infections, including those of the skin, bone, stomach, blood, respiratory tract, sinuses, ear, gynecologic or urinary tract. Generic cefepime injections are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

• bleeding problems

• kidney disease

• stomach or intestinal problems (especially colitis)

• other chronic illness

• an unusual or allergic reaction to cefepime, other cephalosporin antibiotics, penicillin, penicillamine, other foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Cefepime is for injection into a muscle, or infusion into a vein. If cefepime injection is given at home, follow the directions on the prescription label. Use doses at regular intervals. Do not use cefepime more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with cefepime?

• certain antibiotics given by injection

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking cefepime?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not begin to improve in a few days.

If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

What side effects may I notice from receiving cefepime?

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

• difficulty breathing, wheezing

• dizziness

• fever or chills, sore throat

• pain or difficulty passing urine

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• seizures (convulsions)

• severe or watery diarrhea

• skin rash, itching

• stomach pain or cramps

• swollen joints

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusual weakness or tiredness

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

• diarrhea

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• pain, swelling and irritation at the injection site

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the dry powder for injection between 2 and 25 degrees C (36 and 77 degrees F) and protected from light. Reconstituted solutions are stable for 24 hours at controlled room temperature between 20 degrees C and 25 degrees C (68 degrees F and 77 degrees F) or for 7 days in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F).