Azactam

Preventing and treating serious infections caused by certain bacteria.

Azactam is a monobactam antibiotic. It works by killing sensitive bacteria that cause infection.

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Azactam

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Azactam . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of allergies, especially to any penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic
• if you have liver or kidney problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Azactam . However, no specific interactions with Azactam are known at this time.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Azactam may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Use Azactam as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Azactam is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Azactam at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Azactam . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
• Do not use Azactam if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
• To clear up your infection completely, use Azactam for the full course of treatment. Keep using it even if you feel better in a few days.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Azactam , use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Azactam .

• Azactam only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections (eg, the common cold).
• Be sure to use Azactam for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
• Long-term or repeated use of Azactam may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.
• Mild diarrhea is common with antibiotic use. However, a more serious form of diarrhea (pseudomembranous colitis) may rarely occur. This may develop while you use the antibiotic or within several months after you stop using it. Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.
• Hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) may not work as well while you are using Azactam . To prevent pregnancy, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms).
• Lab tests, including liver function, kidney function, or blood clotting levels, may be performed while you use Azactam . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Azactam with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Azactam while you are pregnant. Azactam is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Azactam .

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Discomfort; mild diarrhea; nausea; pain; vein inflammation; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; chest pain; chills; fever; itching; muscle pain; pain, swelling, warmth, and redness at the injection site; severe diarrhea; severe stomach pain or cramps; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness; vaginal irritation or discharge.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects atIf OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control centeror emergency room immediately.

Azactam is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Azactam at home, store Azactam as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Azactam out of the reach of children and away from pets.

• If you have any questions about Azactam , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Azactam is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Azactam . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Comments for Azactam