Avycaz

What is AVYCAZ?

(AVYCAZ) This medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This product contains 2 different medications: ceftazidime and avibactam. Ceftazidime is a cephalosporin antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Avibactam is an enzyme inhibitor (beta-lactamase inhibitor) that helps ceftazidime work better. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.

How should I use AVYCAZ?

This medication is given by injection into a vein, as directed by your doctor, usually every 8 hours over 2 hours. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on age and weight. If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. The solution is normally clear and light yellow. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. For the best effect, use this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, use this medication at the same time(s) every day. Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take AVYCAZ?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to ceftazidime or avibactam; or to penicillins, beta-lactam antibiotics, or other cephalosporins; or to other beta-lactamase inhibitors (such as sulbactam); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease. Ceftazidime/avibactam may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using ceftazidime/avibactam before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Ceftazidime passes into breast milk. It is unknown if avibactam passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with AVYCAZ?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. One product that may interact with this drug is: probenecid. This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as Coombs' test, urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

What if I miss a dose of AVYCAZ?

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What side effects may I notice from receiving AVYCAZ?

Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or anxiety may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations), seizures, shaking (tremors), muscle spasms, jerking movements, easy bruising/bleeding, yellowing eyes/skin. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep AVYCAZ?

Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.