Why is this medicine prescribed?
Aztreonam and avibactam injection is used to treat serious intra-abdominal infections (infections in the organs and areas surrounding the organs in the abdominal cavity). Aztreonam is in a class of medications called monobactam antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria. Avibactam is in a class of medications called beta-lactamase inhibitors. It works by preventing bacteria from breaking down aztreonam.
Antibiotics such as aztreonam and avibactam injection will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
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?
Aztreonam and avibactam injection comes as a powder to be mixed with liquid to be injected slowly intravenously (into a vein) over a period of 3 hours. Your doctor will tell you how often you will receive aztreonam and avibactam injection and for how long you will receive it.
You may receive aztreonam and avibactam injection in a hospital, or you may use the medication at home. If you will be using aztreonam and avibactam 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 treatment with aztreonam and avibactam injection. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving aztreonam and avibactam injection,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while receiving aztreonam and avibactam injection. 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 liver or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while receiving aztreonam and avibactam injection, call your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What should I do in case of overdose?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222
. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help . If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What side effects can this medicine cause?
Aztreonam and avibactam injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- diarrhea
- fever
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- rash; itching; hives; difficulty breathing or swallowing; wheezing; or swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, and eyes
- blistering or peeling skin, fever, or joint pain
- severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) that may occur with or without fever and stomach cramps (may occur up to 2 months or more after your treatment)
- unusual tiredness or weakness, pale skin, fast or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath
Aaztreonam and avibactam injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking 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 ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone (
1-800-332-1088).What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
If using at home. your healthcare provider will tell you how to store your medication. Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand how to store your medication properly.
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org
Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to aztreonam and avibactam injection.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.