Perhaps you or someone in your family has been prescribed this vaccine by a doctor. You may feel a little scared and nervous when you see these three names. This is not a medicine like the Panadol we take every day. But there is no reason to be afraid. It is used to treat bacterial infections . Let's talk about this medicine, how it works, things to be careful about, and side effects .
What kind of medicine is this? Simply put...
This is a very powerful vaccine that belongs to the antibiotic class. To be precise, it is a combination of three drugs: Imipenem, Cilastatin, and Relebactam. All three work together to kill serious bacterial infections in your body.
The most important thing is that this medicine only works on bacteria. It has no effect on illnesses caused by viruses , such as colds and flu.
Think of it like there are two types of enemies, bacteria and viruses. This medicine is like a specially trained army that only attacks bacterial enemies. That's why the doctor prescribes this medicine only after he has confirmed that you have a bacterial infection.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This is very important. Your doctor needs to know your complete medical history so that he can give you the best and safest treatment. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor before starting this medication.
| Your health condition or habit | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Conditions such as brain tumors or seizures. | This medication can sometimes increase the risk of seizures, so it's important to be aware of your condition. |
| Kidney disease. | Medicines are removed from the body by the kidneys. If kidney function is impaired, the dosage of the medicine may need to be adjusted. |
| Intestinal diseases (e.g. Colitis). | This medicine can sometimes cause diarrhea, so it is important to be aware of any pre-existing medical conditions. |
| Allergies to other medications, especially penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics. | Since this medicine belongs to that group, if you have had a previous allergy, you may have a severe reaction. Also, tell us if you have any other allergies to any medicine, food, or dye. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant. | It is essential to seek medical advice before taking any medication during pregnancy. |
| Breastfeeding the baby. | The doctor will determine whether the medication can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a pill. It is an injection into a vein . You will usually receive this treatment in a hospital or clinic, by a doctor or nurse.
However, in some special cases, you may need to receive this vaccine outside of the hospital, that is, at home. In that case, you will be given proper training on how to prepare it and administer the vaccine.
- Take it on time: It is very important to take the correct dosage at the exact time prescribed by your doctor.
- Don't stop: Even if you feel better, don't stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to. You must finish the full course.
- Needles and syringes: Never throw needles and syringes used at home in the trash. They should be disposed of safely. Ask your doctor about a special container (sharps container) for this purpose.
What do you do if you increase your medication dose or miss a dose?
If the dosage of the medicine is increased (Overdosage)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Missed Dose
- If at the hospital/clinic: If you are unable to come to receive the vaccine on time, inform the doctor or nurse immediately.
- 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 your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time. If you are unsure, ask your doctor.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Some medications can cause problems when taken with this vaccine. For example:
This list is not exhaustive. Therefore, it is best and safest to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins, traditional Ayurvedic medicines, and supplements).
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
The doctor will regularly check on your condition during this treatment.
- Symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve, or if they seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor.
- Severe skin reactions: Some people may develop a severe skin reaction even weeks after starting this medicine. If you have a fever, body aches, and red or purple skin rash that then blisters and peels off, this could be a serious condition. Also, if you have red skin rash along with swollen lymph nodes in your face, lips, neck, or armpits, tell your doctor right away.
- Severe diarrhea: If you develop severe diarrhea that lasts for more than two days, do not take over-the-counter medication, but call your doctor for advice.
Side effects that may occur with this medicine
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. But not everyone gets them. Let's break them down into two categories.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Seizures | Sudden loss of consciousness and body convulsions. |
| Severe stomach ache and fever | Severe abdominal pain and fever. |
| Vaginal problems | Women may experience unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or a foul odor. |
| Side effects that are usually nothing to worry about, but if they persist, you should tell your doctor. | |
| |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, tell your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- This is a powerful antibiotic that is only given for bacterial infections. It has no use for viral diseases.
- Before you start taking the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all other medications you are taking.
- During treatment, be especially aware of any severe skin changes or severe stomach upset that lasts more than two days. If this occurs, inform your doctor immediately.
- Do not double the dose prescribed by your doctor for any reason.
- If you suspect an overdose, go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Even if you feel better, take the full amount of medication prescribed by the doctor on time.
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