Avycaz is a combination antibiotic medicine that is used to treat complicated infections of the stomach, bladder, or kidneys in adults and children as young as 3 months old.

Avycaz is used only in adults to treat pneumonia that has developed during or shortly after a hospital stay.

Avycaz may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Avycaz is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 2 hours to complete. You may need to use this medicine for up to 14 days. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Avycaz must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) in an IV bag. When using injections by yourself, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.

After mixing, store the IV bag at room temperature and use it within 12 hours.

You may also store the IV bag in a refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Do not freeze. After you take the IV bag out of the refrigerator, you must use it within 12 hours.

Do not use Avycaz if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medication. The mixture should appear clear to light yellow.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Avycaz will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Avycaz.

Store unmixed Avycaz at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Each vial (bottle) is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

You should not use Avycaz if you are allergic to avibactam or ceftazidime, or to a cephalosporin antibiotic such as:

• cefaclor (Ceclor);

• cefadroxil (Duricef);

• cefazolin (Ancef);

• cefdinir (Omnicef);

• cefditoren (Spectracef);

• cefprozil (Cefzil);

• ceftibuten (Cedax);

• cefuroxime (Ceftin);

• cephradine (Velosef);

• cephalexin (Keflex); and others.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis;

• kidney disease; or

• an allergy to any penicillin antibiotic (amoxicillin, ampicillin, Augmentin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, penicillin, ticarcillin, and others).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of Avycaz.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Avycaz may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• a seizure (convulsions);

• rigid muscles, overactive reflexes;

• confusion, hallucinations; or

• a change in your mental state.

Common side effects of Avycaz may include:

• nausea, vomiting;

• diarrhea; or

• bruising where the IV needle is placed.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may affect Avycaz, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.