cefepime Health Article

How should I use cefepime?

Cefepime is given as an injection through a needle placed into a muscle or vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to use your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine.

When injected into a vein, cefepime must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take at least 30 minutes to complete.

You will need to mix cefepime with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication.

Do not mix this medicine or draw your cefepime dose into a syringe until you are ready to give yourself an injection.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Cefepime will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain lab tests to check for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using cefepime.

Store unopened cefepime dry powder at room temperature, away from light, heat, and moisture. After mixing cefepime with a diluent, you may store the mixture in the refrigerator and use it within 7 days. Do not freeze. Do not use the mixed medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a cefepime overdose may include confusion, hallucinations, restless feeling, muscle stiffness, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking cefepime?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

What are the possible side effects of cefepime?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or

• seizure (black-out or convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

• pain, swelling, or skin rash where the injection was given;

• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;

• headache;

• skin rash or itching;

• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips; or

• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.