Ertapenem Drug Information

Generic name: ERTAPENEM SODIUM

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Uses of Ertapenem

Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections Ertapenem for injection is indicated for the treatment of

adult patients and pediatric patients (3 months of age and older) with complicated intra-abdominal infections due to Escherichia coli, Clostridium clostridioforme, Eubacterium lentum, Peptostreptococcus species, Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides distasonis, Bacteroides ovatus, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, or Bacteroides uniformis.

Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections, Including Diabetic Foot Infections without Osteomyelitis

Ertapenem for injection is indicated for the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients (3 months of age and older) with complicated skin and skin structure infections, including diabetic foot infections without osteomyelitis due to Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin susceptible isolates only), Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Bacteroides fragilis, Peptostreptococcus species, Porphyromonas asaccharolytica, or Prevotella bivia. Ertapenem for injection has not been studied in diabetic foot infections with concomitant osteomyelitis .

Community Acquired Pneumonia Ertapenem for injection is indicated for the treatment of

adult patients and pediatric patients (3 months of age and older) with community acquired pneumonia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin susceptible isolates only) including cases with concurrent bacteremia, Haemophilus influenzae (beta-lactamase negative isolates only), or Moraxella catarrhalis.

Complicated Urinary Tract Infections Including Pyelonephritis Ertapenem for injection is indicated for

the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients (3 months of age and older) with complicated urinary tract infections including pyelonephritis due to Escherichia coli, including cases with concurrent bacteremia, or Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Acute Pelvic Infections Including Postpartum Endomyometritis, Septic Abortion and Post-Surgical Gynecologic Infections

Ertapenem for injection is indicated for the treatment of adult patients and pediatric patients (3 months of age and older) with acute pelvic infections including postpartum endomyometritis, septic abortion and post-surgical gynecological infections due to Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, Bacteroides fragilis, Porphyromonas asaccharolytica, Peptostreptococcus species, or Prevotella bivia.

Prophylaxis of Surgical Site Infection Following Elective Colorectal Surgery Ertapenem for injection

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

Usage To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness

of ertapenem for injection and other antibacterial drugs, ertapenem for injection should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

Dosage & Administration of Ertapenem

* defined as creatinine clearance >90 mL/min/1.73 m2
due to the designated pathogens [see Indications and Usage (1)]
not to exceed 1 gram/day
§ ertapenem for injection has not been studied in diabetic foot infections with concomitant osteomyelitis [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
adult patients with diabetic foot infections received up to 28 days of treatment (parenteral or parenteral plus oral switch therapy)
# duration includes a possible switch to an appropriate oral therapy, after at least 3 days of parenteral therapy, once clinical improvement has been demonstrated.
InfectionDaily Dose (IV or IM) Adults and Pediatric Patients 13 years of age and older
Complicated intra-abdominal infections1 gram
Complicated skin and skin structure infections, including diabetic foot infections§1 gram
Community acquired pneumonia1 gram
Complicated urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis1 gram
Acute pelvic infections including postpartum endomyometritis, septic abortion and post-surgical gynecologic infections1 gram

Side Effects of Ertapenem

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adults Receiving Ertapenem for Injection as a Treatment Regimen Clinical trials enrolled 1954 patients treated with ertapenem for injection; in some of the clinical trials, parenteral therapy was followed by a switch to an appropriate oral antimicrobial. Most adverse experiences reported in these clinical trials were described as mild to moderate in severity.

Ertapenem for injection was discontinued due to adverse experiences in 4.7% of patients. Table 3 shows the incidence of adverse experiences reported in ≥2.0% of patients in these trials. The most common drug-related adverse experiences in patients treated with ertapenem for injection, 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%), and vaginitis in females (2.1%). Table 3 Incidence (%) of Adverse Experiences Reported During Study Therapy Plus 14-Day Follow-Up in ≥2.0% of Adult Patients Treated With Ertapenem for Injection in Clinical Trials * Includes Phase IIb/III Complicated intra-abdominal infections, Complicated skin and skin structure infections and Acute pelvic infections trials † Includes Phase IIb/III Community acquired pneumonia and Complicated urinary tract infections, and Phase IIa trials ‡ Includes agitation, confusion, disorientation, decreased mental acuity, changed mental status, somnolence, stupor Adverse Events Ertapenem for Injection * 1 gram daily (N=802) Piperacillin/Tazobactam* 3.375 grams q6h (N=774) Ertapenem for Injection † 1 gram daily (N=1152) Ceftriaxone † 1 or 2 grams daily (N=942) Local: Infused vein complication Systemic: 7.1 7.9 5.4

Death 2.5 1.6 1.3 1.6 Edema/swelling 3.4 2.5 2.9 3.3 Fever 5.0

6.6 2.3

Abdominal pain 3.6 4.8 4.3 3.9 Hypotension 2.0 1.4 1.0 1.2 Constipation

4.0 5.4 3.3

Diarrhea 10.3 12.1 9.2 9.8 Nausea 8.5 8.7 6.4 7.4 Vomiting 3.7

5.3 4.0

Headache 5.6 5.4 6.8 6.9 Insomnia 3.2 5.2 3.0 4.1 Dyspnea 2.6

1.8 1.0

Pruritus 2.0 2.6 1.0 1.9 Rash 2.5 3.1 2.3 1.5 Vaginitis 1.4

1.0 3.3

In patients treated for complicated intra-abdominal infections, death occurred in 4.7% (15/316)

of patients receiving ertapenem for injection and 2.6% (8/307) of patients receiving comparator drug. These deaths occurred in patients with significant co-morbidity and/or severe baseline infections. Deaths were considered unrelated to study drugs by investigators.

In clinical trials, seizure was reported during study therapy plus 14-day follow-up period in 0.5% of patients treated with ertapenem for injection, 0.3% of patients treated with piperacillin/tazobactam and 0% of patients treated with ceftriaxone. Additional adverse experiences that were reported with ertapenem for injection with an incidence >0.1% within each body system are listed below Body as a Whole: abdominal distention, pain, chills, septicemia, septic shock, dehydration, gout, malaise, asthenia/fatigue, necrosis, candidiasis, weight loss, facial edema, injection site induration, injection site pain, extravasation, phlebitis/thrombophlebitis, flank pain, syncope Cardiovascular System: heart failure, hematoma, chest pain, hypertension, tachycardia, cardiac arrest, bradycardia, arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, heart murmur, ventricular tachycardia, asystole, subdural hemorrhage Digestive System: acid regurgitation, oral candidiasis, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, anorexia, flatulence, C. difficile -associated diarrhea, stomatitis, dysphagia, hemorrhoids, ileus, cholelithiasis, duodenitis, esophagitis, gastritis, jaundice, mouth ulcer, pancreatitis, pyloric stenosis Musculoskeletal System: leg pain Nervous System & Psychiatric: anxiety, nervousness, seizure , tremor, depression, hypesthesia, spasm, paresthesia, aggressive behavior, vertigo Respiratory System: cough, pharyngitis, rales/rhonchi, respiratory distress, pleural effusion, hypoxemia, bronchoconstriction, pharyngeal discomfort, epistaxis, pleuritic pain, asthma, hemoptysis, hiccups, voice disturbance Skin & Skin Appendage: erythema, sweating, dermatitis, desquamation, flushing, urticaria Special Senses: taste perversion Urogenital System: renal impairment, oliguria/anuria, vaginal pruritus, hematuria, urinary retention, bladder dysfunction, vaginal candidiasis, vulvovaginitis. In a clinical trial for the treatment of diabetic foot infections in which 289 adult diabetic patients were treated with ertapenem for injection, the adverse experience profile was generally similar to that seen in previous clinical trials.

Prophylaxis of Surgical Site Infection following Elective Colorectal Surgery In a clinical trial in adults for the prophylaxis of surgical site infection following elective colorectal surgery in which 476 patients received a 1 gram dose of ertapenem for injection 1 hour prior to surgery and were then followed for safety 14 days post-surgery, the overall adverse experience profile was generally comparable to that observed for ertapenem for injection in previous clinical trials. Table 4 shows the incidence of adverse experiences other than those previously described above for ertapenem for injection that were reported regardless of causality in ≥2.0% of patients in this trial. Table 4 Incidence (%) of Adverse Experiences Reported During Study Therapy Plus 14-Day Follow-Up in ≥2.0% of Adult Patients Treated With Ertapenem for Injection for Prophylaxis of Surgical Site Infections Following Elective Colorectal Surgery Adverse Events Ertapenem for Injection 1 gram (N = 476) Cefotetan 2 grams (N = 476) Anemia 5.7

Small intestinal obstruction 2.1 1.9 Pneumonia 2.1 4.0 Postoperative infection 2.3 4.0

Urinary tract infection 3.8

Wound infection 6.5 12.4 Wound complication 2.9 2.3 Atelectasis 3.4 1.9 Additional

adverse experiences that were reported in this prophylaxis trial with ertapenem for injection, regardless of causality, with an incidence >0.5% within each body system are listed below: Gastrointestinal Disorders: C. difficile infection or colitis, dry mouth, hematochezia General Disorders and Administration Site Condition: crepitations Infections and Infestations: cellulitis, abdominal abscess, fungal rash, pelvic abscess Injury, Poisoning and Procedural Complications: incision site complication, incision site hemorrhage, intestinal stoma complication, anastomotic leak, seroma, wound dehiscence, wound secretion Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: muscle spasms Nervous System Disorders: cerebrovascular accident Renal and Urinary Disorders: dysuria, pollakiuria Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: crackles lung, lung infiltration, pulmonary congestion, pulmonary embolism, wheezing. Pediatric Patients Receiving Ertapenem for Injection as a Treatment Regimen Clinical trials enrolled 384 patients treated with ertapenem for injection; in some of the clinical trials, parenteral therapy was followed by a switch to an appropriate oral antimicrobial. The overall adverse experience profile in pediatric patients is comparable to that in adult patients.

Table 5 shows the incidence of adverse experiences reported in ≥2.0% of pediatric patients in clinical trials. The most common drug-related adverse experiences in pediatric patients treated with ertapenem for injection, including those who were switched to therapy with an oral antimicrobial, were diarrhea (6.5%), infusion site pain (5.5%), infusion site erythema (2.6%), vomiting (2.1%). Table 5 Incidence (%) of Adverse Experiences Reported During Study Therapy Plus 14-Day Follow-Up in ≥2.0% of Pediatric Patients Treated With Ertapenem for Injection in Clinical Trials * Includes Phase IIb Complicated skin and skin structure infections, Community acquired pneumonia and Complicated urinary tract infections trials in which patients 3 months to 12 years of age received ertapenem for injection 15 mg/kg IV twice daily up to a maximum of 1 gram or ceftriaxone 50 mg/kg/day IV in two divided doses up to a maximum of 2 grams, and patients 13 to 17 years of age received ertapenem for injection 1 gram IV daily or ceftriaxone 50 mg/kg/day IV in a single daily dose. † Includes Phase IIb Acute pelvic infections and Complicated intra-abdominal infections trials in which patients 3 months to 12 years of age received ertapenem for injection 15 mg/kg IV twice daily up to a maximum of 1 gram and patients 13 to 17 years of age received ertapenem for injection 1 gram IV daily or ticarcillin/clavulanate 50 mg/kg for patients <60 kg or ticarcillin/clavulanate 3.0 grams for patients >60 kg, 4 or 6 times a day. Adverse Events Ertapenem for Injection *,† (N=384) Ceftriaxone* (N=100) Ticarcillin/ Clavulanate † (N=24) Local: Infusion Site Erythema 3.9 3.0

Infusion Site Pain 7.0 4.0 20.8 Systemic: Abdominal Pain 4.7 3.0 4.2

Constipation 2.3 0.0

Pyrexia 4.9 6.0 8.3 Upper Respiratory Tract Infection 2.3 3.0 0.0 Headache

4.4 4.0

Additional adverse experiences that were reported with ertapenem for injection with an

incidence >0.5% within each body system are listed below: Gastrointestinal Disorders: nausea General Disorders and Administration Site Condition: hypothermia, chest pain, upper abdominal pain; infusion site pruritus, induration, phlebitis, swelling, and warmth Infections and Infestations: candidiasis, oral candidiasis, viral pharyngitis, herpes simplex, ear infection, abdominal abscess Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: decreased appetite Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: arthralgia Nervous System Disorders: dizziness, somnolence Psychiatric Disorders: insomnia Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: genital rash Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: wheezing, nasopharyngitis, pleural effusion, rhinitis, rhinorrhea Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: dermatitis, pruritus, rash erythematous, skin lesion Vascular Disorders: phlebitis.

Post-Marketing Experience

The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during the post-approval use of ertapenem for injection. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Gastrointestinal Disorders: teeth staining Immune System Disorders: anaphylaxis including anaphylactoid reactions Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: muscular weakness Nervous System Disorders: coordination abnormal, depressed level of consciousness, dyskinesia, gait disturbance, myoclonus, tremor, encephalopathy (recovery was prolonged in patients with renal impairment) Psychiatric Disorders: altered mental status (including aggression, delirium), hallucinations Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP), Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS syndrome), hypersensitivity vasculitis

Adverse Laboratory Changes in Clinical Trials Adults Receiving Ertapenem for Injection as

Treatment Regimen Laboratory adverse experiences that were reported during therapy in ≥2.0% of adult patients treated with ertapenem for injection in clinical trials are presented in Table 6. Drug-related laboratory adverse experiences that were reported during therapy in ≥2.0% of adult patients treated with ertapenem for injection, including those who were switched to therapy with an oral antimicrobial, in clinical trials were ALT increased (6.0%), AST increased (5.2%), serum alkaline phosphatase increased (3.4%), and platelet count increased (2.8%). Ertapenem for injection was discontinued due to laboratory adverse experiences in 0.3% of patients. Table 6 Incidence* (%) of Laboratory Adverse Experiences Reported During Study Therapy Plus 14-Day Follow-Up in ≥2.0% of Adult Patients Treated With Ertapenem for Injection in Clinical Trials * Number of patients with laboratory adverse experiences/Number of patients with the laboratory test † Number of patients with one or more laboratory tests ‡ Includes Phase IIb/III Complicated intra-abdominal infections, Complicated skin and skin structure infections and Acute pelvic infections trials § Includes Phase IIb/III Community acquired pneumonia and Complicated urinary tract infections, and Phase IIa trials Adverse laboratory experiences Ertapenem for Injection ‡ 1 gram daily (n † =766) Piperacillin/ Tazobactam ‡ 3.375 grams q6h (n † =755) Ertapenem for Injection § 1 gram daily (n † =1122) Ceftriaxone § 1 or 2 grams daily (n † =920) ALT increased 8.8 7.3 8.3

AST increased 8.4 8.3 7.1 6.5 Serum alkaline phosphatase increased 6.6 7.2

4.3

Eosinophils increased 1.1 1.1 2.1 1.8 Hematocrit decreased 3.0 2.9 3.4 2.4

Hemoglobin decreased 4.9 4.7 4.5

Platelet count increased 6.5 6.3 4.3 3.5 Urine

RBCs increased 2.5 2.9 1.1

Urine

WBCs increased 2.5 3.2 1.6

Additional laboratory adverse experiences that were reported during therapy in >0.1% of

patients treated with ertapenem for injection in clinical trials include: increases in serum creatinine, serum glucose, BUN, total, direct and indirect serum bilirubin, serum sodium and potassium, PT and PTT; decreases in serum potassium, serum albumin, WBC, platelet count, and segmented neutrophils. In a clinical trial for the treatment of diabetic foot infections in which 289 adult diabetic patients were treated with ertapenem for injection, the laboratory adverse experience profile was generally similar to that seen in previous clinical trials. Prophylaxis of Surgical Site Infection following Elective Colorectal Surgery In a clinical trial in adults for the prophylaxis of surgical site infection following elective colorectal surgery in which 476 patients received a 1 gram dose of ertapenem for injection 1 hour prior to surgery and were then followed for safety 14 days post-surgery, the overall laboratory adverse experience profile was generally comparable to that observed for ertapenem for injection in previous clinical trials.

Pediatric Patients Receiving Ertapenem for Injection as a Treatment Regimen Laboratory adverse experiences that were reported during therapy in ≥2.0% of pediatric patients treated with ertapenem for injection in clinical trials are presented in Table 7. Drug-related laboratory adverse experiences that were reported during therapy in ≥2.0% of pediatric patients treated with ertapenem for injection, including those who were switched to therapy with an oral antimicrobial, in clinical trials were neutrophil count decreased (3.0%), ALT increased (2.2%), and AST increased (2.1%). Table 7 Incidence* (%) of Specific Laboratory Adverse Experiences Reported During Study Therapy Plus 14-Day Follow-Up in ≥2.0% of Pediatric Patients Treated With Ertapenem for Injection in Clinical Trials * Number of patients with laboratory adverse experiences/Number of patients with the laboratory test; where at least 300 patients had the test † Number of patients with one or more laboratory tests Adverse laboratory experiences Ertapenem for Injection (n † =379) Ceftriaxone (n † =97) Ticarcillin/Clavulanate (n † =24) ALT Increased 3.8 1.1

AST Increased 3.8 1.1 4.3 Neutrophil Count Decreased 5.8 3.1 0.0 Additional

laboratory adverse experiences that were reported during therapy in >0.5% of patients treated with ertapenem for injection in clinical trials include: alkaline phosphatase increased, eosinophil count increased, platelet count increased, white blood cell count decreased and urine protein present.

Warnings & Cautions for Ertapenem

Hypersensitivity Reactions 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. There have been reports of individuals with a history of penicillin hypersensitivity who have experienced severe hypersensitivity reactions when treated with another beta-lactam.

Before initiating therapy with ertapenem for injection, careful inquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins, other beta-lactams and other allergens. If an allergic reaction to ertapenem for injection occurs, discontinue the drug immediately. Serious anaphylactic reactions require immediate emergency treatment as clinically indicated.

Seizure Potential Seizures and other central nervous system (CNS) adverse experiences have

been reported during treatment with ertapenem for injection . During clinical investigations in adult patients treated with ertapenem for injection (1 gram once a day), seizures, irrespective of drug relationship, occurred in 0.5% of patients during study therapy plus 14-day follow-up period . These experiences have occurred most commonly in patients with CNS disorders (e.g., brain lesions or history of seizures) and/or compromised renal function. Close adherence to the recommended dosage regimen is urged, especially in patients with known factors that predispose to convulsive activity. Anticonvulsant therapy should be continued in patients with known seizure disorders.

If focal tremors, myoclonus, or seizures occur, patients should be evaluated neurologically, placed on anticonvulsant therapy if not already instituted, and the dosage of ertapenem for injection re-examined to determine whether it should be decreased or discontinued.

Interaction with Valproic Acid Case reports in the literature have shown that

co-administration of carbapenems, including ertapenem, to patients receiving valproic acid or divalproex sodium results in a reduction in valproic acid concentrations. The valproic acid concentrations may drop below the therapeutic range as a result of this interaction, therefore increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures. Increasing the dose of valproic acid or divalproex sodium may not be sufficient to overcome this interaction.

The concomitant use of ertapenem and valproic acid/divalproex sodium is generally not recommended. Anti-bacterials other than carbapenems should be considered to treat infections in patients whose seizures are well controlled on valproic acid or divalproex sodium. If administration of ertapenem for injection is necessary, supplemental anti-convulsant therapy should be considered.

Clostridioides difficile -Associated Diarrhea (CDAD)

CDAD has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including ertapenem, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of Clostridioides difficile. Clostridioides difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of Clostridioides difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy.

CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against Clostridioides difficile may need to be discontinued.

Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of Clostridioides difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

Caution with Intramuscular

Administration Caution should be taken when administering ertapenem for injection intramuscularly to avoid inadvertent injection into a blood vessel .

Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria As with other antibiotics, prolonged use of ertapenem

for injection may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms. Repeated evaluation of the patient's condition is essential. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.

Prescribing ertapenem for injection in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

Laboratory Tests

While ertapenem for injection possesses toxicity similar to the beta-lactam group of antibiotics, periodic assessment of organ system function, including renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic, is advisable during prolonged therapy.

Drug Interactions with Ertapenem

Probenecid Probenecid interferes with the active tubular secretion of ertapenem, resulting in

increased plasma concentrations of ertapenem . Co-administration of probenecid with ertapenem is not recommended.

Valproic Acid Case reports in the literature have shown that co-administration of

carbapenems, including ertapenem, to patients receiving valproic acid or divalproex sodium results in a reduction of valproic acid concentrations. The valproic acid concentrations may drop below the therapeutic range as a result of this interaction, therefore increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures. Although the mechanism of this interaction is unknown, data from in vitro and animal studies suggest that carbapenems may inhibit the hydrolysis of valproic acid's glucuronide metabolite (VPA-g) back to valproic acid, thus decreasing the serum concentrations of valproic acid.

Pregnancy Safety for Ertapenem

Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from a small number of post-marketing cases with ertapenem for injection use in pregnancy are insufficient to inform any drug-associated risks for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies after intravenous administration of ertapenem during the period of organogenesis, there was no evidence of developmental malformations in rats at systemic exposures (AUC) up to approximately 1.2 times the human exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) and in mice at doses up to approximately 3 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparison. In pregnant rats administered ertapenem during organogenesis through lactation, fetal toxicity, developmental delays, and impaired reproduction did not occur in first generation offspring at systemic exposures (AUC) approximately 1.2 times the human exposure at the MRHD (see Data ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.

All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In pregnant rats, intravenous administration of ertapenem dosages of up to 700 mg/kg/day (approximately 1.2 times the MRHD based on AUC) during the period of organogenesis (gestation days 6-20) revealed no maternal or embryofetal effects.

Pregnant mice intravenously administered ertapenem dosages of up to 700 mg/kg/day (approximately 3 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparison) during the period of organogenesis (GD 6-15) showed slight decreases in average fetal weight and an associated decrease in the average number of ossified sacrocaudal vertebrae. There were no maternal effects at any dosage. In a pre-postnatal study in rats, ertapenem administered to pregnant rats at dosages up to 700 mg/kg/day (approximately 1.2 times the MRHD based on AUC) during organogenesis through lactation, (GD 6 until Lactation Day (LD) 20) did not result in fetal toxicity, developmental delays, or impaired reproduction in first generation offspring, and fetal deaths and malformations were not increased in second generation offspring.

Pediatric Use of Ertapenem

Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of ertapenem for injection in pediatric patients 3 months to 17 years of age are supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled trials in adults, pharmacokinetic data in pediatric patients, and additional data from comparator-controlled trials in pediatric patients 3 months to 17 years of age . Ertapenem for injection is not recommended in infants under 3 months of age as no data are available. Ertapenem for injection is not recommended in the treatment of meningitis in the pediatric population due to lack of sufficient CSF penetration.

Contraindications for Ertapenem

Ertapenem for injection 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, ertapenem for injection administered intramuscularly is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to local anesthetics of the amide type. Known hypersensitivity to product components or anaphylactic reactions to β-lactams.

Due to the use of lidocaine HCl as a diluent, ertapenem for injection administered intramuscularly is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to local anesthetics of the amide type.

Overdosage Information for Ertapenem

No specific information is available on the treatment of overdosage with ertapenem for injection. Intentional overdosing of ertapenem for injection is unlikely. Intravenous administration of ertapenem for injection at a dose of 2 grams over 30 min or 3 grams over 1 to 2h in healthy adult volunteers resulted in an increased incidence of nausea.

In clinical trials in adults, inadvertent administration of three 1 gram doses of ertapenem for injection in a 24 hour period resulted in diarrhea and transient dizziness in one patient. In pediatric clinical trials, a single intravenous dose of 40 mg/kg up to a maximum of 2 grams did not result in toxicity. In the event of an overdose, ertapenem for injection should be discontinued and general supportive treatment given until renal elimination takes place.

Ertapenem for injection can be removed by hemodialysis; the plasma clearance of the total fraction of ertapenem was increased 30% in subjects with end-stage renal disease when hemodialysis (4 hour session) was performed immediately following administration. However, no information is available on the use of hemodialysis to treat overdosage.

Clinical Studies of Ertapenem

Adults Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections Ertapenem was evaluated in adults for the treatment

of complicated intra-abdominal infections in a randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority clinical trial. This trial compared ertapenem (1 gram intravenously once a day) with piperacillin/tazobactam (3.375 grams intravenously every 6 hours) for 5 to 14 days and enrolled 665 patients with localized complicated appendicitis, and any other complicated intra-abdominal infection including colonic, small intestinal, and biliary infections and generalized peritonitis. The combined clinical and microbiologic success rates in the microbiologically evaluable population at 4 to 6 weeks posttherapy (test-of-cure) were 83.6% (163/195) for ertapenem and 80.4% (152/189) for piperacillin/tazobactam.

Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections Ertapenem was evaluated in adults for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections in a randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority clinical trial. This trial compared ertapenem (1 gram intravenously once a day) with piperacillin/tazobactam (3.375 grams intravenously every 6 hours) for 7 to 14 days and enrolled 540 patients including patients with deep soft tissue abscess, posttraumatic wound infection and cellulitis with purulent drainage. The clinical success rates at 10 to 21 days posttherapy (test-of-cure) were 83.9% (141/168) for ertapenem and 85.3% (145/170) for piperacillin/tazobactam.

Diabetic Foot Infections Ertapenem was evaluated in adults for the treatment of diabetic foot infections without concomitant osteomyelitis in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority clinical trial. This trial compared ertapenem (1 gram intravenously once a day) with piperacillin/tazobactam (3.375 grams intravenously every 6 hours). Test-of-cure was defined as clinical response between treatment groups in the clinically evaluable population at the 10-day posttherapy follow-up visit. The trial included 295 patients randomized to ertapenem and 291 patients to piperacillin/tazobactam.

Both regimens allowed the option to switch to oral amoxicillin/clavulanate for a total of 5 to 28 days of treatment (parenteral and oral). All patients were eligible to receive appropriate adjunctive treatment methods, such as debridement, as is typically required in the treatment of diabetic foot infections, and most patients received these treatments. Patients with suspected osteomyelitis could be enrolled if all the infected bone was removed within 2 days of initiation of study therapy, and preferably within the prestudy period. Investigators had the option to add open-label vancomycin if enterococci or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were among the pathogens isolated or if patients had a history of MRSA infection and additional therapy was indicated in the opinion of the investigator.

Two hundred and four patients randomized to ertapenem and 202 patients randomized to piperacillin/tazobactam were clinically evaluable. The clinical success rates at 10 days posttherapy were 75.0% (153/204) for ertapenem and 70.8% (143/202) for piperacillin/tazobactam. Community Acquired Pneumonia Ertapenem was evaluated in adults for the treatment of community acquired pneumonia in two randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority clinical trials.

Both trials compared ertapenem (1 gram parenterally once a day) with ceftriaxone (1 gram parenterally once a day) and enrolled a total of 866 patients. Both regimens allowed the option to switch to oral amoxicillin/clavulanate for a total of 10 to 14 days of treatment (parenteral and oral). In the first trial the primary efficacy parameter was the clinical success rate in the clinically evaluable population and success rates were 92.3% (168/182) for ertapenem and 91.0% (183/201) for ceftriaxone at 7 to 14 days posttherapy (test-of-cure). In the second trial the primary efficacy parameter was the clinical success rate in the microbiologically evaluable population and success rates were 91% (91/100) for ertapenem and 91.8% (45/49) for ceftriaxone at 7 to 14 days posttherapy (test-of-cure). Complicated Urinary Tract Infections Including Pyelonephritis Ertapenem was evaluated in adults for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections including pyelonephritis in two randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority clinical trials. Both trials compared ertapenem (1 gram parenterally once a day) with ceftriaxone (1 gram parenterally once a day) and enrolled a total of 850 patients.

Both regimens allowed the option to switch to oral ciprofloxacin (500 mg twice daily) for a total of 10 to 14 days of treatment (parenteral and oral). The microbiological success rates (combined trials) at 5 to 9 days posttherapy (test-of-cure) were 89.5% (229/256) for ertapenem and 91.1% (204/224) for ceftriaxone. Acute Pelvic Infections Including Endomyometritis, Septic Abortion and Post-Surgical Gynecological Infections Ertapenem was evaluated in adults for the treatment of acute pelvic infections in a randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority clinical trial. This trial compared ertapenem (1 gram intravenously once a day) with piperacillin/tazobactam (3.375 grams intravenously every 6 hours) for 3 to 10 days and enrolled 412 patients including 350 patients with obstetric/postpartum infections and 45 patients with septic abortion.

The clinical success rates in the clinically evaluable population at 2 to 4 weeks posttherapy (test-of-cure) were 93.9% (153/163) for ertapenem and 91.5% (140/153) for piperacillin/tazobactam. Prophylaxis of Surgical Site Infections Following Elective Colorectal Surgery Ertapenem was evaluated in adults for prophylaxis of surgical site infection following elective colorectal surgery in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority clinical trial. This trial compared a single intravenous dose of ertapenem (1 gram) versus cefotetan (2 grams) administered over 30 minutes, 1 hour before elective colorectal surgery.

Test-of-prophylaxis was defined as no evidence of surgical site infection, post-operative anastomotic leak, or unexplained antibiotic use in the clinically evaluable population up to and including at the 4-week posttreatment follow-up visit. The trial included 500 patients randomized to ertapenem and 502 patients randomized to cefotetan. The modified intent-to-treat (MITT) population consisted of 451 ertapenem patients and 450 cefotetan patients and included all patients who were randomized, treated, and underwent elective colorectal surgery with adequate bowel preparation.

The clinically evaluable population was a subset of the MITT population and consisted of patients who received a complete dose of study therapy no more than two hours prior to surgical incision and no more than six hours before surgical closure. Clinically evaluable patients had sufficient information to determine outcome at the 4-week follow-up assessment and had no confounding factors that interfered with the assessment of that outcome. Examples of confounding factors included prior or concomitant antibiotic violations, the need for a second surgical procedure during the study period, and identification of a distant site infection with concomitant antibiotic administration and no evidence of subsequent wound infection.

Three-hundred forty- six patients randomized to ertapenem and 339 patients randomized to cefotetan were clinically evaluable. The prophylactic success rates at 4 weeks posttreatment in the clinically evaluable population were 70.5% (244/346) for ertapenem and 57.2% (194/339) for cefotetan (difference 13.3%,, p<0.001). Prophylaxis failure due to surgical site infections occurred in 18.2% (63/346) ertapenem patients and 31.0% (105/339) cefotetan patients. Post-operative anastomotic leak occurred in 2.9% (10/346) ertapenem patients and 4.1% (14/339) cefotetan patients.

Unexplained antibiotic use occurred in 8.4% (29/346) ertapenem patients and 7.7% (26/339) cefotetan patients. Though patient numbers were small in some subgroups, in general, clinical response rates by age, gender, and race were consistent with the results found in the clinically evaluable population. In the MITT analysis, the prophylactic success rates at 4 weeks posttreatment were 58.3% (263/451) for ertapenem and 48.9% (220/450) for cefotetan (difference 9.4%,, p=0.002). A statistically significant difference favoring ertapenem over cefotetan with respect to the primary endpoint has been observed at a significance level of 5% in this trial.

A second adequate and well-controlled trial to confirm these findings has not been conducted; therefore, the clinical superiority of ertapenem over cefotetan has not been demonstrated.

Pediatric Patients Ertapenem was evaluated in pediatric patients 3 months to 17

years of age in two randomized, multicenter clinical trials. The first trial enrolled 404 patients and compared ertapenem (15 mg/kg intravenous (IV) every 12 hours in patients 3 months to 12 years of age, and 1 gram IV once a day in patients 13 to 17 years of age) to ceftriaxone (50 mg/kg/day IV in two divided doses in patients 3 months to 12 years of age and 50 mg/kg/day IV as a single daily dose in patients 13 to 17 years of age) for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infection (UTI), skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI), or community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Both regimens allowed the option to switch to oral amoxicillin/clavulanate for a total of up to 14 days of treatment (parenteral and oral). The microbiological success rates in the evaluable per protocol (EPP) analysis in patients treated for UTI were 87.0% (40/46) for ertapenem and 90.0% (18/20) for ceftriaxone. The clinical success rates in the EPP analysis in patients treated for SSTI were 95.5% (64/67) for ertapenem and 100% (26/26) for ceftriaxone, and in patients treated for CAP were 96.1% (74/77) for ertapenem and 96.4% (27/28) for ceftriaxone.

The second trial enrolled 112 patients and compared ertapenem (15 mg/kg IV every 12 hours in patients 3 months to 12 years of age, and 1 gram IV once a day in patients 13 to 17 years of age) to ticarcillin/clavulanate (50 mg/kg for patients <60 kg or 3.0 grams for patients >60 kg, 4 or 6 times a day) up to 14 days for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections (IAI) and acute pelvic infections (API). In patients treated for IAI (primarily patients with perforated or complicated appendicitis), the clinical success rates were 83.7% (36/43) for ertapenem and 63.6% (7/11) for ticarcillin/clavulanate in the EPP analysis. In patients treated for API (post-operative or spontaneous obstetrical endomyometritis, or septic abortion), the clinical success rates were 100% (23/23) for ertapenem and 100% (4/4) for ticarcillin/clavulanate in the EPP analysis.

Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.

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