INVANZ® (ertapenem sodium)

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Merck
Elective Colorectal Surgery Prophylaxis in AdultsDiabetic Foot InfectionsComplicated Intra-Abdominal InfectionsComplicated Skin/Skin Structure InfectionsCommunity-Acquired PneumoniaAcute Pelvic InfectionsComplicated Urinary Tract InfectionsPediatric Usage

For Elective Colorectal
Surgery Prophylaxis in Adults:

SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS KEEP OUT

INVANZ is indicated in adults for the prophylaxis of surgical site infection following elective colorectal surgery.

The landmark PREVENT* trial is the largest double-blind study of antimicrobial prophylaxis for elective colorectal surgery in adults.

* Prospective, Randomized Trial of Ertapenem versus Cefotetan Following Elective Colorectal Surgery

Selected important safety information

  • A statistically significant difference favoring INVANZ over cefotetan in a double-blind study of antimicrobial prophylaxis for elective colorectal surgery in adults (P=0.002)
  • A second adequate and well-controlled study to confirm these findings has not been conducted; therefore, the clinical superiority of INVANZ over cefotetan has not been demonstrated
  • Covers the pathogens most often responsible for infection following colorectal surgery1
  • A single 1-g dose given within 1 hour before surgical incision
  • Demonstrated safety profile

Selected important safety information

Appropriate specimens for bacteriological examination should be obtained in order to isolate and identify the causative organisms and to determine their susceptibility to INVANZ. Therapy with INVANZ may be initiated empirically before results of these tests are known; once results become available, antimicrobial therapy should be adjusted accordingly.

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of INVANZ and other antibacterial drugs, INVANZ should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. Local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

INVANZ is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of this product or to other drugs in the same class or in patients who have demonstrated anaphylactic reactions to beta-lactams.

Due to the use of lidocaine HCl as a diluent, INVANZ administered intramuscularly is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to local anesthetics of the amide type. (Refer to the prescribing information for lidocaine HCl.)

SERIOUS AND OCCASIONALLY FATAL HYPERSENSITIVITY (ANAPHYLACTIC) REACTIONS HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN PATIENTS RECEIVING THERAPY WITH BETA-LACTAMS. SERIOUS ANAPHYLACTIC REACTIONS REQUIRE IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY TREATMENT WITH EPINEPHRINE, OXYGEN, INTRAVENOUS STEROIDS, AND AIRWAY MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING INTUBATION.

Seizures and other central nervous system (CNS) adverse experiences have been reported during treatment with INVANZ.

Carbapenems, including ertapenem, may reduce serum valproic acid concentrations to subtherapeutic levels, resulting in loss of seizure control. Serum valproic acid concentrations should be monitored frequently after initiating carbapenem therapy. Alternative antibacterial or anticonvulsant therapy should be considered if serum valproic acid concentrations drop below the therapeutic range or a seizure occurs.

Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including INVANZ, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. CDAD has been reported to occur over 2 months after administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C difficile may need to be discontinued.

As with other antibiotics, prolonged use of INVANZ may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. Repeated evaluation of the patient's condition is essential. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.

During clinical trials, the most common drug-related adverse experiences in adult patients treated with INVANZ, including those who were switched to therapy with an oral antimicrobial, were diarrhea (5.5%), infused vein complication (3.7%), nausea (3.1%), headache (2.2%), vaginitis in females (2.1%), phlebitis/thrombophlebitis (1.3%), and vomiting (1.1%).

Before prescribing INVANZ, please read the Prescribing Information available on this Web site.

Reference:
1.
Mangram AJ, Horan TC, Pearson ML, Silver LC, Jarvis WR, the Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee. Guideline for prevention of surgical site infection, 1999. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 1999;20:247–278.