ceftaroline

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Pronunciation: SEF ta ROE leen

Brand: Teflaro

What is the most important information I should know about ceftaroline?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to ceftaroline or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, Omnicef, and others. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, especially penicillins or other antibiotics.

What is ceftaroline?

Ceftaroline is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Ceftaroline is used to treat skin infections or pneumonia caused by bacteria.

Ceftaroline may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ceftaroline?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to ceftaroline or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

  • cefaclor (Raniclor);
  • cefadroxil (Duricef);
  • cefazolin (Ancef);
  • cefdinir (Omnicef);
  • cefditoren (Spectracef);
  • cefpodoxime (Vantin);
  • cefprozil (Cefzil);
  • ceftibuten (Cedax);
  • cefuroxime (Ceftin);
  • cephalexin (Keflex); or
  • cephradine (Velosef); and others.

To make sure ceftaroline is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • an allergy to any drugs (especially penicillins);
  • kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or
  • a history of intestinal problems, such as colitis.

Ceftaroline is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether ceftaroline passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is ceftaroline given?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Ceftaroline is injected into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.

Ceftaroline is usually given every 8 to 12 hours for 5 to 14 days. Follow your doctor's instructions. This medicine must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take up at least 1 hour to complete.

Ceftaroline is a powder medicine that must be mixed 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 medicine.

Prepare your dose only when you are ready to give yourself an injection. Ceftaroline should look clear or yellow in color. Do not use ceftaroline if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medication.

Do not mix ceftaroline in the same injection with other antibiotics.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Ceftaroline will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Store unmixed ceftaroline powder at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

After mixing ceftaroline with a diluent, you may store the mixture for up to 6 hours at room temperature, or up to 24 hours in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using ceftaroline?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop using ceftaroline and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

What are the possible side effects of ceftaroline?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
  • sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, cold or flu symptoms, mouth sores;
  • little or no urination;
  • low potassium --leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, muscle weakness or limp feeling; or
  • a blood cell disorder --easy bruising or bleeding, pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, skin rash or tight feeling, severe tingling or numbness, pain, muscle weakness.

Common side effects may include:

  • nausea;
  • diarrhea; or
  • rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect ceftaroline?

Other drugs may interact with ceftaroline, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ceftaroline.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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