• U.S. Brand Names: INVanz®
• Canadian Brand Names: Invanz®
• Mexican Brand Names: Invanz
• Pharmacologic Category: Antibiotic, Carbapenem

• It is used to stop or treat bacterial infections.
• Ertapenem works to harm the bacteria and fight the infection.

How to take

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
• It is given as a shot into a muscle or vein.
• This drug can be given at home.
• Your doctor may teach you how to give the shot.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box and take the box back to your doctor when it is full.

Missed Dose

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take two doses or extra doses.

Storage

• Store as you have been told by your doctor.

Avoid

• If you have an allergy to ertapenem or any other part of this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

Precautions

• If you have kidney disease, talk with your doctor.
• If you have seizures, talk with your doctor.
• Check all drugs you are taking with your doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Side Effects

• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
• Loose stools. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum, or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help. You can get these products at health food stores or in some pharmacies.
• For women, vaginal yeast infection. Report itching or discharge.

Monitoring

• Change in the health problem being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• For unwanted reactions to the drug.

Contact a healthcare provider

• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Very upset stomach or throwing up.
• Very loose stools, even after drug is stopped.
• Any rash.
• Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

General Statements

• If you have a very bad allergy, wear an allergy ID at all times.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Most drugs can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. You may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.

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