Ertapenem is an antibiotic that is used to treat severe infections caused by bacteria in the skin, lungs, stomach, pelvis, and urinary tract.

Ertapenem is also used to prevent infection in people having certain types of surgery.

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

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Ertapenem is injected into a muscle or a vein.

Read and follow all Instructions for Use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it.

Be sure you understand how to properly mix this medicine with a liquid (diluent) and how to store the mixture. Use only the diluent recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.

Shake the mixture well just before you measure a dose.

Keep using this medicine even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses could make your infection resistant to medication. Ertapenem will not treat a viral infection (flu or a common cold).

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Store unmixed powder at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Ertapenem that is mixed for injection into a muscle should be used within 1 hour after mixing.

Ertapenem that is mixed and diluted for injection into a vein may be stored for up to 6 hours at room temperature, or up to 24 hours in a refrigerator. Use the mixture within 4 hours after removing from a refrigerator.

Do not reuse a needle or syringe. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

You should not use ertapenem if you are allergic to ertapenem or to certain antibiotics, especially:

• meropenem;

• imipenem;

• any type of cephalosporin antibiotic (cefdinir, cephalexin, Keflex, Omnicef, and others); or

• penicillin or similar antibiotics (amoxicillin, Augmentin, ampicillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, and others).

You should not inject ertapenem into a muscle if you are allergic to a numbing medicine such as lidocaine or Novocain.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or

• a head injury or brain tumor.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Not for children younger than 3 months old.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

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

Avoid taking anti-diarrhea medicine without first asking your doctor. Diarrhea may be a sign of a new infection.

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

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

• a seizure (convulsions); or

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose).

Common side effects include:

• nausea, vomiting;

• diarrhea;

• headache; or

• pain or redness where the injection was given.

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.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• divalproex;

• valproic acid; or

• probenecid.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect ertapenem, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.