Ceftaroline injection is used to treat some types of skin infections and pneumonia (lung infection) caused by certain bacteria. Ceftaroline is in a class of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
Ceftaroline injection comes as a powder to be added to fluid and given through a needle or catheter placed in your vein. It is usually injected intravenously (into a vein) over a period of 60 minutes twice a day (once every 12 hours) for 5 to 14 days. The length of your treatment depends on the type of infection you have. You may receive ceftaroline injection in a hospital or you may give the medication at home. If you are using ceftaroline injection at home, use it at around the same times every day. Use ceftaroline injection exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
If you will be using ceftaroline injection at home, your healthcare provider will show you how to inject the medication. Be sure that you understand these directions, and ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions. Ask your healthcare provider what to do if you have any problems injecting ceftaroline injection.
You should begin to feel better during the first few days of your treatment with ceftaroline injection. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.
Use ceftaroline injection until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop using ceftaroline injection too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
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.
diarrhea
constipation
nausea
vomiting
redness or irritation at the injection site
watery or bloody stools, stomach cramps or fever during treatment or for up to two or more months after stopping treatment
hives
rash
itching
difficulty breathing or swallowing
extreme tiredness
pale skin
fast or irregular heartbeat
shortness of breath
chest pain
dizziness
cold hands and feet
Ceftaroline may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using 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 [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
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. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your healthcare provider about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to ceftaroline injection.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish your treatment with ceftaroline injection, call your doctor.
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.
Last Revised - 05/16/2011
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.