Ertapenem

There are inadequate data on the safety and efficacy of ertapenem in patients with severe renal impairment to support a dose recommendation. Therefore, ertapenem should not be used in these patients.

Decreases in valproic acid levels that may fall below the therapeutic range have been reported when valproic acid was co-administered with carbapenem agents. The lowered valproic acid levels can lead to inadequate seizure control; therefore, concomitant use of ertapenem and valproic acid/sodium valproate is not recommended and alternative antibacterial or anti-convulsant therapies should be considered.

There are inadequate data on the safety and efficacy of ertapenem in patients on haemodialysis to support a dose recommendation. Therefore, ertapenem should not be used in these patients.

Antibiotic-associated colitis and pseudomembranous colitis have been reported with ertapenem and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who present with diarrhoea subsequent to the administration of antibacterial agents. Discontinuation of therapy with ertapenem and the administration of specific treatment for Clostridium difficile should be considered. Medicinal products that inhibit peristalsis should not be given.

Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients receiving therapy with beta-lactams. These reactions are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens. Before initiating therapy with ertapenem, careful inquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins, other beta-lactams and other allergens. If an allergic reaction to ertapenem occurs, discontinue the therapy immediately.

Seizures have been reported during clinical investigation in adult patients treated with ertapenem (1 g once a day) during therapy or in the 14-day follow-up period. Seizures occurred most commonly in elderly patients and those with pre-existing central nervous system (CNS) disorders (e.g. brain lesions or history of seizures) and/or compromised renal function. Similar observations have been made in the post-marketing environment.

Adequate and well-controlled studies have not been performed in pregnant women. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, embryo-foetal development, parturition or post-natal development. However, ertapenem should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit outweighs the possible risk to the foetus.

Ertapenem is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for adverse reactions on the infant, mothers should not breast-feed their infants while receiving ertapenem.

Fertility

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies regarding the effect of ertapenem use on fertility in men and women. Preclinical studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to fertility.

No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. Ertapenem may influence patients' ability to drive and use machines. Patients should be informed that dizziness and somnolence have been reported with ertapenem.