Sometimes we get sick and ordinary medicines don't help, right? Especially some bacterial infections are a bit more severe. In such cases, a special, powerful antibiotic called Cefiderocol is used. This is usually given as an injection into a vein. So if you or someone you know has been given this medicine, it is very important to know exactly what it is. Let's talk about this simply.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, Cefiderocol is a medicine used to treat bacterial infections . It belongs to a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins. Its specialty is its ability to kill some serious bacteria that are difficult to control with other medications.
A common misconception among many people is that antibiotics can cure all illnesses. This is not true. Cefiderocol kills bacteria, but it has no effect on illnesses caused by viruses, such as colds and flu.
This medicine can be found under the brand name FETROJA.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
For your safety, it is essential that you give your doctor a complete description of your health before starting this medication. Be sure to tell them about the following in particular:
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you have kidney disease | This medicine is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. So if there is a problem with the kidneys, the doctor may have to change the dosage of the medicine. |
| If you have a history of seizures or fits | This medication can sometimes increase the risk of seizures, so it's important to be aware of this in advance. |
| If you have stomach problems such as colitis | Antibiotics can sometimes worsen stomach problems, so it's important for your doctor to be aware of this. |
| If you have allergies to anything | Be sure to tell your doctor if you have had any previous allergies, especially to Cefiderocol, penicillin, other antibiotics, foods, or medications. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is essential to seek medical advice before taking any medication during pregnancy. |
| If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a baby | Talk to your doctor about whether the medicine can pass to your baby through breast milk. |
How do you use this medicine?
This medicine is given by injection into a vein . This is usually done by medical staff in a hospital or clinic. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to use it at home on the advice of your doctor.
If you are using this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare it and how to drink it.
- Follow the instructions exactly: Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, exactly as your doctor tells you.
- Complete the course: Even if you feel better, do not stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to. Otherwise, the infection may come back.
- Dispose of needles and syringes safely: If you use injections at home, never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a special sharps container. If you don't have one, ask your doctor about it.
What to do if the dose increases?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and take immediate action. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU). Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What do you do if you miss a dose?
- If you are in the hospital: Don't worry about it. The nursing staff will take care of it.
- If you are at home: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once for any reason. If you are in doubt, talk to your doctor.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
While taking this medicine, keep an eye on your symptoms. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, tell your doctor right away.
- Severe skin reactions: This medicine can sometimes cause serious skin reactions. These can occur weeks after you start taking the medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you develop a rash along with symptoms such as fever and chills. These rashes may turn red or purple, then blister and the skin may start to peel. Also, tell your doctor right away if you notice any swelling of the face, lips, or a lump in the neck or armpits.
- Diarrhea: This medicine may cause diarrhea. However, if you have severe, watery diarrhea that lasts more than two days, do not self-medicate and call your doctor. This can sometimes be a serious condition.
- Diabetes: If you have diabetes, taking this medication may cause false-positive results when testing for sugar in your urine. Therefore, talk to your doctor about this and get advice.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Cefiderocol can cause side effects. Not everybody gets them, but it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Low potassium levels | Muscle twitching or pain, unusual tiredness, fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Severe skin symptoms | Redness, blistering, and peeling of the skin, including inside the mouth. |
| Seizures | Loss of consciousness, convulsions. |
| Severe diarrhea | Watery diarrhea with fever. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache, nausea, diarrhea | These often subside within a few days. |
| Fungal infections of the mouth (Thrush) | White patches inside the mouth. |
| Pain at the injection site | Redness, pain, or swelling at the piercing site. |
Take-Home Message
- Cefiderocol is a powerful antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections. It will not treat viral illnesses such as colds and flu.
- Before taking the medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions (especially kidney disease and allergies) and all other medications you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe skin rash, severe diarrhea, or other unusual symptoms.
- Even if you feel better, finish the full course of medication prescribed by your doctor. Otherwise, the infection may come back.
- If using injections at home, make sure to safely dispose of needles and syringes.
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