• Patients should be advised that allergic reactions, including serious allergic reactions, could occur and that serious reactions require immediate treatment. They should report any previous hypersensitivity reactions to DORIBAX®, other carbapenems, beta-lactams or other allergens.
• Patients should be counseled that anti-bacterial drugs including DORIBAX® should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When DORIBAX® is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by DORIBAX® or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
• Patients should be counseled to inform their physician
  • if they have central nervous system disorders such as stroke or history of seizures. Seizures have been reported during treatment with DORIBAX® and with closely related antibiotics
  • if they are taking valproic acid or sodium valproate. Valproic acid concentrations in the blood will drop below the therapeutic range upon co-administration with DORIBAX®. If treatment with DORIBAX® is necessary and continued, alternative or supplemental anti-convulsant medication to prevent and/or treat seizures may be needed.
• Keep out of the reach of children.

Last reviewed on RxList: 4/25/2013
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.