Cefotetan injection

What is this medicine?

CEFOTETAN (SEF oh tee tan) is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It is used to treat or prevent certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is injected into a muscle, or infused through a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• bloody or watery diarrhea

• breathing problems

• dizziness

• fever

• seizures

• unusual bleeding, bruising

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• nausea

• pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• alcohol

• birth control pills

• certain medicines for infection like amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorders

• history of blood diseases

• if you often drink alcohol

• kidney disease

• stomach or intestine problems

• an unusual or allergic reaction to cefotetan, cephalosporin or penicillin antibiotics, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you have diabetes, you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your doctor or health care professional.

If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted disease, avoid sexual contact until you have finished your treatment. Your sexual partner may also need treatment.