Brand Names: Invanz, Invanz ADD-Vantage

Generic Name: ertapenem (Pronunciation: er ta PEN em)

• What is ertapenem (Invanz)?
• What are the possible side effects of ertapenem (Invanz)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ertapenem (Invanz)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ertapenem (Invanz)?
• How should I use ertapenem (Invanz)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Invanz)?
• What happens if I overdose (Invanz)?
• What should I avoid while using ertapenem (Invanz)?
• What other drugs will affect ertapenem (Invanz)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is ertapenem (Invanz)?

Ertapenem is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Ertapenem is used to treat severe infections of the skin, lungs, stomach, pelvis, and urinary tract. It is also used to prevent infection in people having certain types of surgery.

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

What are the possible side effects of ertapenem (Invanz)?

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

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• fever;
• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• tremors, twitching, or rigid (very stiff) muscles;
• seizures (black-out or convulsions); or
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea or diarrhea, constipation;
• vaginal itching or discharge;
• headache; or
• pain, redness, or mild swelling where the medicine was injected.

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.

Read the Invanz (ertapenem injection) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about ertapenem (Invanz)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ertapenem or to any other antibiotic.

Before using ertapenem, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, a seizure disorder such as epilepsy, a history of head injury or brain tumor, or if you are allergic to numbing medicine such as lidocaine or Novocain..

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

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

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Ertapenem will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.