Why is this medicine prescribed?
The combination of ceftolozane and tazobactam is used to treat certain infections including urinary tract infections and infections of the abdomen (stomach area). It is also used to treat certain types of pneumonia that developed in people who are on ventilators or who were in a hospital. Ceftolozane is in a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins. It works by killing bacteria. Tazobactam is in a class called beta-lactamase inhibitor. It works by preventing bacteria from destroying ceftolozane. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Ceftolozane and tazobactam injection comes as a powder to be mixed with liquid and injected intravenously (into a vein) over approximately 1 hour every 8 hours for 4 to 14 days. The length of your treatment depends on the type of infection that you have and how well you respond to the medication. You may receive ceftolozane and tazobactam injection in a hospital or you may administer the medication at home. If you will be receiving ceftolozane and tazobactam injection at home, your healthcare provider will show you how to use the medication. Be sure that you understand these directions, and ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
You should begin to feel better during the first few days of your treatment with ceftolozane and tazobactam injection. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, tell your doctor. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish ceftolozane and tazobactam injection, tell your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving ceftolozane and tazobactam injection,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ceftolozane; tazobactam; piperacillin and tazobactam (Zosyn); cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefaclor, cefadroxil, cefazolin (Ancef, Kefzol), cefditoren (Spectracef), cefepime (Maxipime), cefixime (Suprax), cefotaxime (Claforan), cefoxitin, cefpodoxime, cefprozil, ceftazidime (Fortaz, Tazicef), ceftibuten (Cedax), ceftriaxone (Rocephin), cefuroxime (Ceftin, Zinacef), and cephalexin (Keflex); penicillin antibiotics; any other medications; or any of the ingredients in ceftolozane and tazobactam injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while receiving ceftolozane and tazobactam injection, call your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What side effects can this medicine cause?
Ceftolozane and tazobactam injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- headache
- constipation
- vomiting
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- stomach pain
- anxiety
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) that may occur with stomach cramps (may occur up to 2 months or more after your treatment)
- rash
- itching
- hives
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- fever and other signs of new or worsening infection
Ceftolozane and tazobactam injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to ceftolozane and tazobactam injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.