You or someone close to you may have been prescribed this vaccine by a doctor. You may even be in the hospital right now. It's normal to be a little curious, and sometimes a little scared, about the medicine you're given when you're sick. So today, let's talk simply and politely about this vaccine called Ceftolozane; Tazobactam, what it does, and what you need to be careful about when using it.
What kind of medicine is this really?
Simply put, Ceftolozane; Tazobactam is a powerful antibiotic . It belongs to the class of drugs called cephalosporins. This medicine is used to kill some of the most dangerous bacteria that enter our bodies and treat infections caused by them.
Remember: This medicine only works on bacterial infections . It will not cure viral infections like colds and influenza (flu). It is like sending an army to fight a war, it is only sent to fight bacteria.
This medicine is also known by the brand name ZERBAXA.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to give your doctor a complete picture of your health. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the following:
| Health condition or fact | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Allergies | If you are allergic to this medicine, penicillin, other cephalosporins, any other medicine, food, or dye, please tell us first. |
| Kidney disease | If you have any kidney disease, your medication dosage may need to be adjusted. So this is very important. |
| Bleeding problems | Tell us if you have any problems with blood clotting or other bleeding problems. |
| Digestive system diseases | If you have ever had a stomach problem, such as colitis, in the past, please inform us about it. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, expecting a baby, or breastfeeding, it is essential to tell your doctor. |
How do you use this medicine?
This is an injection into a vein (intravenous or IV infusion). Most often, it is given by medical staff in a hospital or clinic. However, in some special cases, this medicine can also be given to you for use at home.
If so, you will be given good training on how to prepare it and how to inject it correctly. It is very important to take the correct dose at the correct time, as the doctor says. Do not stop the treatment until the doctor tells you to stop.
If you are using it at home, consider this too.
If you need to get this medicine at home, never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. Use a special "sharps container" for disposal. If you don't have one, ask your healthcare provider how to get one.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Alternatively, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose?
Avoid missing a dose. If you are unable to go to the hospital to get your medicine, call your doctor immediately and tell him/her. If you are taking your medicine at home, take the missed dose 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. Never take two doses at once.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications may react with this medicine.
- Birth control pills: This antibiotic may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using another form of birth control while taking this medication.
- Probenecid: If you are taking this medicine (e.g. for gout), tell your doctor.
In addition to this list, give your doctor a complete description of any other medications you are taking (including those not prescribed by a doctor, vitamins, and herbal remedies), and whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Pay attention to symptoms: If your symptoms don't improve, or if they get worse, tell your doctor.
- Severe skin reactions: This medicine can sometimes cause severe skin reactions. These can occur weeks after starting the medicine. If you develop a rash with symptoms such as fever or chills, or if the rash turns red/purple and then blisters and the skin starts to peel off, tell your doctor immediately. Also, if you develop red rashes with swelling on your face, lips, neck, or armpits, this is also a serious sign.
- Diarrhea: If you have diarrhea for more than two days, or if it is watery, do not take over-the-counter medications. Talk to your doctor right away. This may be a medication-associated intestinal infection (C. difficile-associated diarrhea).
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, change in breathing rate. |
| Bloody or watery diarrhea | Severe abdominal distension. |
| Symptoms of a stroke | Vision changes, confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding, severe headache, sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, difficulty walking, dizziness. |
| Urinary problems | Difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine you produce. |
| Unusual bleeding or bruising | Bruising of the skin and bleeding that won't stop, even from the slightest thing. |
| If it persists or is bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Restlessness, constipation, diarrhea, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, insomnia. | Symptoms of low blood pressure (dizziness, fainting, feeling unusually tired). |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, please inform your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Ceftolozane; Tazobactam is a powerful antibiotic used only for bacterial infections .
- Before starting treatment, be sure to tell your doctor about all your allergies, kidney disease, and other medications you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects such as severe skin rashes, persistent diarrhea, or signs of a stroke.
- If you miss a dose, never take two doses at once. Contact your doctor for advice.
- If used at home, safely dispose of needles and syringes.
- If you have any questions, concerns, or doubts about this medication, never hesitate to discuss it with your doctor.
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