Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

CEPHALOSPORINS - FROZEN PIGGYBACK INJECTION

Uses

This medication is an antibiotic that is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.

How To Use

Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. This is done by administering the drug at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection. Thaw the frozen container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Do not thaw by putting in a water bath or by microwaving it. After thawing, squeeze the container to check for leaks. Discard solution if the container leaks. Let a refrigerated bag sit at room temperature at least one hour before using. Shake the container before using. Discard if the solution is cloudy or has particles.

Side Effects

An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: difficulty breathing, skin rash, hives, itching. Tell your doctor promptly if you develop: nausea, vomiting, severe stomach cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, unusual weakness, fast/pounding heartbeat, persistent sore throat, easy bruising and bleeding. Unlikely to occur but report promptly: yellowing eyes and skin, change in the amount of urine, seizures. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems, stomach problems, alcohol usage, allergies (especially allergies to penicillins, other cephalosporins or any other drugs). Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Since small amounts of the drug appear in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), live vaccines. Certain cephalosporins (your medication belongs to this class of drugs) can interact strongly with alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while using this medication and for 72 hours after the last dose has been injected. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the medication prescribed for you and the use of alcohol. This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. If you are a diabetic, use Clinistix or TesTape to test for sugar in your urine. Do not use Clinitest tablets because this drug may cause false positive results. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures.

Notes

Make sure needles, tubing and supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly.

Missed Dose

If you should miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

Storage

This medication must be stored properly. Review storage instructions with your doctor or pharmacist. Premixed frozen bags are to be stored in the freezer before thawing. After thawing, store in refrigerator for longer stability. Do not refreeze. Check expiration before using.