1.1 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.

1.2 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 [see Clinical Studies (14)].

1.3 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.

1.4 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.

1.5 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.

1.6 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.

1.7 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.

2.1 Instructions for Use in All Patients

For Intravenous or Intramuscular Use

DO NOT MIX OR CO-INFUSE ERTAPENEM FOR INJECTION WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS. DO NOT USE DILUENTS CONTAINING DEXTROSE (α-D-GLUCOSE).

Ertapenem for injection may be administered by intravenous infusion for up to 14 days or intramuscular injection for up to 7 days. When administered intravenously, ertapenem for injection should be infused over a period of 30 minutes. Intramuscular administration of ertapenem for injection may be used as an alternative to intravenous administration in the treatment of those infections for which intramuscular therapy is appropriate.

2.2 Treatment Regimen

13 years of age and older

The dose of ertapenem for injection in patients 13 years of age and older is 1 gram (g) given once a day [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

3 months to 12 years of age

The dose of ertapenem for injection in patients 3 months to 12 years of age is 15 mg/kg twice daily (not to exceed 1 g/day).

Table 1 presents treatment guidelines for ertapenem for injection.

2.3 Prophylactic Regimen in Adults

Table 2 presents prophylaxis guidelines for ertapenem for injection.

2.4 Patients with Renal Impairment

Ertapenem for injection may be used for the treatment of infections in adult patients with renal impairment. In patients whose creatinine clearance is >30 mL/min/1.73 m2, no dosage adjustment is necessary. Adult patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m2) and end-stage renal disease (creatinine clearance ≤10 mL/min/1.73 m2) should receive 500 mg daily. A supplementary dose of 150 mg is recommended if ertapenem is administered within 6 hours prior to hemodialysis. There are no data in pediatric patients with renal impairment.

2.5 Patients on Hemodialysis

When adult patients on hemodialysis are given the recommended daily dose of 500 mg of ertapenem for injection within 6 hours prior to hemodialysis, a supplementary dose of 150 mg is recommended following the hemodialysis session. If ertapenem for injection is given at least 6 hours prior to hemodialysis, no supplementary dose is needed. There are no data in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis or hemofiltration. There are no data in pediatric patients on hemodialysis.

When only the serum creatinine is available, the following formula1 may be used to estimate creatinine clearance. The serum creatinine should represent a steady state of renal function.

                  (weight in kg) x (140-age in years)
Males:        (72) x serum creatinine (mg/100 mL)

Females:    (0.85) x (value calculated for males)

2.6 Patients with Hepatic Impairment

No dose adjustment recommendations can be made in patients with hepatic impairment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

2.7 Preparation and Reconstitution for Administration

Vials

Adults and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older

Preparation for intravenous administration:

DO NOT MIX OR CO-INFUSE ERTAPENEM FOR INJECTION WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS. DO NOT USE DILUENTS CONTAINING DEXTROSE (α-D-GLUCOSE).

ERTAPENEM FOR INJECTION MUST BE RECONSTITUTED AND THEN DILUTED PRIOR TO ADMINISTRATION.

1. Reconstitute the contents of a 1 g vial of ertapenem for injection with 10 mL of one of the following: Water for Injection, 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, using a syringe equipped with a 21-gauge or smaller diameter needle. NOTE: Use with a needleless IV system is not recommended. The resultant concentration is approximately 100 mg/mL. 
2. Shake well to dissolve and immediately transfer contents of the reconstituted vial to 50 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. The resultant concentration is approximately 20 mg/mL. 
3. Complete the infusion within 6 hours of reconstitution.

Preparation for intramuscular administration:

ERTAPENEM FOR INJECTION MUST BE RECONSTITUTED PRIOR TO ADMINISTRATION.

1. Reconstitute the contents of a 1 g vial of ertapenem for injection with 3.2 mL of 1% lidocaine HCl injection2 (without epinephrine). Shake vial thoroughly to form solution. The resultant concentration is approximately 280 mg/mL.
2. Immediately withdraw the contents of the vial and administer by deep intramuscular injection into a large muscle mass (such as the gluteal muscles or lateral part of the thigh).
3. The reconstituted IM solution should be used within 1 hour after preparation. NOTE: THE RECONSTITUTED SOLUTION SHOULD NOT BE ADMINISTERED INTRAVENOUSLY.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1 Cockcroft and Gault equation: Cockcroft DW, Gault MH. Prediction of creatinine clearance from serum creatinine. Nephron. 1976
2 Refer to the prescribing information for lidocaine HCl.

Pediatric patients 3 months to 12 years of age

Preparation for intravenous administration:

DO NOT MIX OR CO-INFUSE ERTAPENEM FOR INJECTION WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS. DO NOT USE DILUENTS CONTAINING DEXTROSE (α-D-GLUCOSE).

ERTAPENEM FOR INJECTION MUST BE RECONSTITUTED AND THEN DILUTED PRIOR TO ADMINISTRATION.

1. Reconstitute the contents of a 1 g vial of ertapenem for injection with 10 mL of one of the following: Water for Injection, 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, using a syringe equipped with a 21-gauge or smaller diameter needle. NOTE: Use with a needleless IV system is not recommended. The resultant concentration is approximately 100 mg/mL.
2. Shake well to dissolve and immediately withdraw a volume equal to 15 mg/kg of body weight (not to exceed 1 g/day) and dilute in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection to a final concentration of 20 mg/mL or less. Discard vial with unused portion of ertapenem for injection reconstituted solution.
3. Complete the infusion within 6 hours of reconstitution.

Preparation for intramuscular administration:

ERTAPENEM FOR INJECTION MUST BE RECONSTITUTED PRIOR TO ADMINISTRATION.

1. Reconstitute the contents of a 1 g vial of ertapenem for injection with 3.2 mL of 1% lidocaine HCl injection (without epinephrine). Shake vial thoroughly to form solution. The resultant concentration is approximately 280 mg/mL. 
2. Immediately withdraw a volume equal to 15 mg/kg of body weight (not to exceed 1 g/day) and administer by deep intramuscular injection into a large muscle mass (such as the gluteal muscles or lateral part of the thigh). Discard vial with unused portion of ertapenem for injection reconstituted solution.
3. The reconstituted IM solution should be used within 1 hour after preparation. NOTE: THE RECONSTITUTED SOLUTION SHOULD NOT BE ADMINISTERED INTRAVENOUSLY.

Storage

When prepared with the diluent, ertapenem for injection maintains satisfactory potency for 6 hours at room temperature (25°C) or for 24 hours under refrigeration (5°C) and used within 4 hours after removal from refrigeration. Solutions of ertapenem for injection should not be frozen.

Before administering, see accompanying package circular for ertapenem for injection.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to use, whenever solution and container permit. Solutions of ertapenem for injection range from colorless to pale yellow. Variations of color within this range do not affect the potency of the product.

5.1 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, 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 drug immediately. Serious anaphylactic reactions require immediate emergency treatment as clinically indicated.

5.2 Seizure Potential

Seizures and other central nervous system (CNS) adverse experiences have been reported during treatment with ertapenem [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. During clinical investigations in adult patients treated with ertapenem (1 g once a day), seizures, irrespective of drug relationship, occurred in 0.5% of patients during study therapy plus 14-day follow-up period [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. 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 re-examined to determine whether it should be decreased or discontinued.

5.3 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 is necessary, supplemental anti-convulsant therapy should be considered [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].

5.4 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.

5.5 Caution with Intramuscular Administration

Caution should be taken when administering ertapenem intramuscularly to avoid inadvertent injection into a blood vessel [see Dosage and Administration (2.7)].

5.6 Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria

As with other antibiotics, prolonged use of ertapenem 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 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.

5.7 Laboratory Tests

While ertapenem 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.

6.1 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 as a Treatment Regimen

Clinical trials enrolled 1954 patients treated with ertapenem; in some of the clinical trials, parenteral therapy was followed by a switch to an appropriate oral antimicrobial [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Most adverse experiences reported in these clinical trials were described as mild to moderate in severity. Ertapenem was discontinued due to adverse experiences in 4.7% of patients. Table 3 shows the incidence of adverse experiences reported in ≥2% of patients in these trials. The most common drug-related adverse experiences in patients treated with ertapenem, 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%).

In patients treated for complicated intra-abdominal infections, death occurred in 4.7% (15/316) of patients receiving ertapenem 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, 0.3% of patients treated with piperacillin/tazobactam and 0% of patients treated with ceftriaxone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Additional adverse experiences that were reported with ertapenem 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 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)], 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, 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 g dose of ertapenem 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 in previous clinical trials. Table 4 shows the incidence of adverse experiences other than those previously described above for ertapenem that were reported regardless of causality in ≥2% of patients in this trial.

Additional adverse experiences that were reported in this prophylaxis trial with ertapenem, 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 as a Treatment Regimen

Clinical trials enrolled 384 patients treated with ertapenem; in some of the clinical trials, parenteral therapy was followed by a switch to an appropriate oral antimicrobial [see Clinical Studies (14)]. 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% of pediatric patients in clinical trials. The most common drug-related adverse experiences in pediatric patients treated with ertapenem, 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%).

Additional adverse experiences that were reported with ertapenem 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.

6.2 Post-Marketing Experience

The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during the post-approval use of ertapenem. 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

6.3 Adverse Laboratory Changes in Clinical Trials

Adults Receiving Ertapenem as Treatment Regimen

Laboratory adverse experiences that were reported during therapy in ≥2% of adult patients treated with ertapenem in clinical trials are presented in Table 6. Drug-related laboratory adverse experiences that were reported during therapy in ≥2% of adult patients treated with ertapenem, including those who were switched to therapy with an oral antimicrobial, in clinical trials were ALT increased (6%), AST increased (5.2%), serum alkaline phosphatase increased (3.4%), and platelet count increased (2.8%). Ertapenem was discontinued due to laboratory adverse experiences in 0.3% of patients.

Additional laboratory adverse experiences that were reported during therapy in >0.1% of patients treated with ertapenem 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, 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 g dose of ertapenem 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 in previous clinical trials.

Pediatric Patients Receiving Ertapenem as a Treatment Regimen

Laboratory adverse experiences that were reported during therapy in ≥2% of pediatric patients treated with ertapenem in clinical trials are presented in Table 7. Drug-related laboratory adverse experiences that were reported during therapy in ≥2% of pediatric patients treated with ertapenem, including those who were switched to therapy with an oral antimicrobial, in clinical trials were neutrophil count decreased (3%), ALT increased (2.2%), and AST increased (2.1%).

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

7.1 Probenecid

Probenecid interferes with the active tubular secretion of ertapenem, resulting in increased plasma concentrations of ertapenem [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Co-administration of probenecid with ertapenem is not recommended.

7.2 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 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Available data from a small number of post-marketing cases with ertapenem 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 [GD] 6 to 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 to 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.

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

Ertapenem is present in human milk (see Data). There are no data on the effects on the breastfed infant or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for ertapenem and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from ertapenem or from the underlying maternal condition.

Data

The concentration of ertapenem in breast milk from 5 lactating women with pelvic infections (5 to 14 days postpartum) measured at random time points daily for 5 consecutive days following the last 1 g dose of intravenous therapy (3 to 10 days of therapy) showed low levels. The concentration of ertapenem in breast milk within 24 hours of the last dose of therapy in all 5 women ranged from (<0.13 (lower limit of quantitation) to 0.38 mcg/mL), although peak concentrations were not assessed. By day 5 after discontinuation of therapy, the level of ertapenem was undetectable in the breast milk of 4 women and below the lower limit of quantitation (<0.13 mcg/mL) in 1 woman. The concentration of ertapenem in transitional milk observed in this study may not reflect the concentration of ertapenem in mature milk.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of ertapenem 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 [see Indications and Usage (1.1), (1.2), (1.3), (1.4) and (1.5) and Clinical Studies (14.2)].

Ertapenem is not recommended in infants under 3 months of age as no data are available.

Ertapenem is not recommended in the treatment of meningitis in the pediatric population due to lack of sufficient CSF penetration.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Of the 1,835 patients in Phase 2b/3 trials treated with ertapenem, approximately 26 percent were 65 and over, while approximately 12 percent were 75 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

8.6 Patients with Renal Impairment

Dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with creatinine clearance 30 mL/min or less [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.7 Patients with Hepatic Impairment

The pharmacokinetics of ertapenem in patients with hepatic impairment have not been established. Of the total number of patients in clinical trials, 37 patients receiving ertapenem 1 g daily and 36 patients receiving comparator drugs were considered to have Child-Pugh Class A, B, or C liver impairment. The incidence of adverse experiences in patients with hepatic impairment was similar between the ertapenem group and the comparator groups.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Ertapenem sodium is a carbapenem antibiotic [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.4)].

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Average plasma concentrations (mcg/mL) of ertapenem following a single 30-minute infusion of a 1 g intravenous (IV) dose and administration of a single 1 g intramuscular (IM) dose in healthy young adults are presented in Table 8.

The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of ertapenem in adults increased less-than dose-proportional based on total ertapenem concentrations over the 0.5 to 2 g dose range, whereas the AUC increased greater-than dose-proportional based on unbound ertapenem concentrations. Ertapenem exhibits non-linear pharmacokinetics due to concentration-dependent plasma protein binding at the proposed therapeutic dose [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. There is no accumulation of ertapenem following multiple IV or IM 1 g daily doses in healthy adults.

Average plasma concentrations (mcg/mL) of ertapenem in pediatric patients are presented in Table 9.

Absorption

Ertapenem, reconstituted with 1% lidocaine HCl injection, USP (in saline without epinephrine), is almost completely absorbed following intramuscular (IM) administration at the recommended dose of 1 g. The mean bioavailability is approximately 90%. Following 1 g daily IM administration, mean peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) are achieved in approximately 2.3 hours (Tmax).

Distribution

Ertapenem is highly bound to human plasma proteins, primarily albumin. In healthy young adults, the protein binding of ertapenem decreases as plasma concentrations increase, from approximately 95% bound at an approximate plasma concentration of <100 micrograms (mcg)/mL to approximately 85% bound at an approximate plasma concentration of 300 mcg/mL.

The apparent volume of distribution at steady state (Vss) of ertapenem in adults is approximately 0.12 liter/kg, approximately 0.2 liter/kg in pediatric patients 3 months to 12 years of age and approximately 0.16 liter/kg in pediatric patients 13 to 17 years of age.

The concentrations of ertapenem achieved in suction-induced skin blister fluid at each sampling point on the third day of 1 g once daily IV doses are presented in Table 10. The ratio of AUC0-24 in skin blister fluid/AUC0-24 in plasma is 0.61.

Metabolism

In healthy young adults, after infusion of 1 g IV radiolabeled ertapenem, the plasma radioactivity consists predominantly (94%) of ertapenem. The major metabolite of ertapenem is the inactive ring-opened derivative formed by hydrolysis of the beta-lactam ring.

Elimination

Ertapenem is eliminated primarily by the kidneys. The mean plasma half-life in healthy young adults is approximately 4 hours and the plasma clearance is approximately 1.8 L/hour. The mean plasma half-life in pediatric patients 13 to 17 years of age is approximately 4 hours and approximately 2.5 hours in pediatric patients 3 months to 12 years of age.

Following the administration of 1 g IV radiolabeled ertapenem to healthy young adults, approximately 80% is recovered in urine and 10% in feces. Of the 80% recovered in urine, approximately 38% is excreted as unchanged drug and approximately 37% as the ring-opened metabolite.

In healthy young adults given a 1 g IV dose, the mean percentage of the administered dose excreted in urine was 17.4% during 0 to 2 hours postdose, 5.4% during 4 to 6 hours postdose, and 2.4% during 12 to 24 hours postdose.

Special Populations

Renal Impairment

Total and unbound fractions of ertapenem pharmacokinetics were investigated in 26 adult subjects (31 to 80 years of age) with varying degrees of renal impairment. Following a single 1 g IV dose of ertapenem, the unbound AUC increased 1.5-fold and 2.3-fold in subjects with mild renal impairment (CLCR 60 to 90 mL/min/1.73 m2) and moderate renal impairment (CLCR 31 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m2), respectively, compared with healthy young subjects (25 to 45 years of age). No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with CLCR ≥31 mL/min/1.73 m2. The unbound AUC increased 4.4-fold and 7.6-fold in subjects with advanced renal impairment (CLCR 5 to 30 mL/min/1.73 m2) and end-stage renal disease (CLCR <10 mL/min/1.73 m2), respectively, compared with healthy young subjects. The effects of renal impairment on AUC of total drug were of smaller magnitude. The recommended dose of ertapenem in adult patients with CLCR ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m2 is 0.5 grams every 24 hours. Following a single 1 g IV dose given immediately prior to a 4 hour hemodialysis session in 5 adult patients with end-stage renal disease, approximately 30% of the dose was recovered in the dialysate. Dose adjustments are recommended for patients with severe renal impairment and end-stage renal disease [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)]. There are no data in pediatric patients with renal impairment.

Hepatic Impairment

The pharmacokinetics of ertapenem in patients with hepatic impairment have not been established. However, ertapenem does not appear to undergo hepatic metabolism based on in vitro studies and approximately 10% of an administered dose is recovered in the feces [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Dosage and Administration (2.6)].

Gender

The effect of gender on the pharmacokinetics of ertapenem was evaluated in healthy male (n = 8) and healthy female (n = 8) subjects. The differences observed could be attributed to body size when body weight was taken into consideration. No dose adjustment is recommended based on gender.

Geriatric Patients

The impact of age on the pharmacokinetics of ertapenem was evaluated in healthy male (n = 7) and healthy female (n = 7) subjects ≥65 years of age. The total and unbound AUC increased 37% and 67%, respectively, in elderly adults relative to young adults. These changes were attributed to age-related changes in creatinine clearance. No dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients with normal (for their age) renal function.

Pediatric Patients

Plasma concentrations of ertapenem are comparable in pediatric patients 13 to 17 years of age and adults following a 1 g once daily IV dose.

Following the 20 mg/kg dose (up to a maximum dose of 1 g), the pharmacokinetic parameter values in patients 13 to 17 years of age (N = 6) were generally comparable to those in healthy young adults.

Plasma concentrations at the midpoint of the dosing interval following a single 15 mg/kg IV dose of ertapenem in patients 3 months to 12 years of age are comparable to plasma concentrations at the midpoint of the dosing interval following a 1 g once daily IV dose in adults [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. The plasma clearance (mL/min/kg) of ertapenem in patients 3 months to 12 years of age is approximately 2-fold higher as compared to that in adults. At the 15 mg/kg dose, the AUC value (doubled to model a twice daily dosing regimen, i.e., 30 mg/kg/day exposure) in patients 3 months to 12 years of age was comparable to the AUC value in young healthy adults receiving a 1 g IV dose of ertapenem.

Drug Interactions

When ertapenem is co-administered with probenecid (500 mg p.o. every 6 hours), probenecid competes for active tubular secretion and reduces the renal clearance of ertapenem. Based on total ertapenem concentrations, probenecid increased the AUC of ertapenem by 25%, and reduced the plasma and renal clearance of ertapenem by 20% and 35%, respectively. The half-life of ertapenem was increased from 4 to 4.8 hours.

In vitro studies in human liver microsomes indicate that ertapenem does not inhibit metabolism mediated by any of the following cytochrome p450 (CYP) isoforms: 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1 and 3A4.

In vitro studies indicate that ertapenem does not inhibit P-glycoprotein-mediated transport of digoxin or vinblastine and that ertapenem is not a substrate for P-glycoprotein-mediated transport.

12.4 Microbiology

Mechanism of Action

Ertapenem has in vitro activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The bactericidal activity of ertapenem results from the inhibition of cell wall synthesis and is mediated through ertapenem binding to penicillin binding proteins (PBPs). In Escherichia coli, it has strong affinity toward PBPs 1a, 1b, 2, 3, 4 and 5 with preference for PBPs 2 and 3.

Resistance

Ertapenem is stable against hydrolysis by a variety of beta-lactamases, including penicillinases, and cephalosporinases and extended spectrum beta-lactamases. Ertapenem is hydrolyzed by metallo-beta-lactamases.

Antimicrobial Activity

Ertapenem has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following microorganisms both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section:

Gram-positive bacteria: 

    Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin susceptible isolates only) 
    Streptococcus agalactiae 
    Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin susceptible isolates only) 
    Streptococcus pyogenes

Gram-negative bacteria:

    Escherichia coli 
    Haemophilus influenzae (beta-lactamase negative isolates only) 
    Klebsiella pneumoniae 
    Moraxella catarrhalis 
    Proteus mirabilis

Anaerobic bacteria: 

    Bacteroides fragilis 
    Bacteroides distasonis 
    Bacteroides ovatus 
    Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron 
    Bacteroides uniformis 
    Clostridium clostridioforme 
    Eubacterium lentum 
    Peptostreptococcus species 
    Porphyromonas asaccharolytica 
    Prevotella bivia

The following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown. At least 90% of the following bacteria exhibit an in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) less than or equal to the susceptible breakpoint for ertapenem. However, the efficacy of ertapenem in treating clinical infections due to these bacteria has not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials:

Gram-positive bacteria: 

    Staphylococcus epidermidis (methicillin susceptible isolates only) 
    Streptococcus pneumoniae (penicillin-intermediate isolates)

Gram-negative bacteria: 

    Citrobacter freundii 
    Citrobacter koseri 
    Enterobacter aerogenes
    Enterobacter cloacae 
    Haemophilus influenzae (beta-lactamase positive isolates only) 
    Haemophilus parainfluenzae 
    Klebsiella oxytoca (excluding ESBL producing isolates) 
    Morganella morganii 
    Proteus vulgaris 
    Providencia rettgeri 
    Providencia stuartii 
    Serratia marcescens

Anaerobic bacteria: 

    Bacteroides vulgatus 
    Clostridium perfringens 
    Fusobacterium spp.

Susceptibility Testing

For specific information regarding susceptibility testing methods, interpretive criteria, and associated test methods and quality control standards recognized by FDA for ertapenem, please see: https://www.fda.gov/STIC.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenesis and Mutagenesis

No long-term studies in animals have been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of ertapenem.

Ertapenem was not genotoxic in in vitro or in vivo assays, including: an alkaline elution/rat hepatocyte assay, a chromosomal aberration assay in Chinese hamster ovary cells, a TK6 human lymphoblastoid cell mutagenesis assay and a mouse micronucleus assay.

Impairment of Fertility

In rats, intravenous dosages up to 700 mg/kg/day (approximately 1.2 times the human exposure at the recommended human dose of 1 g based on plasma AUC) did not impair fertility.

13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

In repeat-dose studies in rats, treatment-related neutropenia occurred at every dose-level tested, including the lowest dose of 2 mg/kg (approximately 2% of the human dose on a body surface area basis).

Studies in rabbits and Rhesus monkeys were inconclusive with regard to the effect on neutrophil counts.

14.1 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 g intravenously once a day) with piperacillin/tazobactam (3.375 g 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 g intravenously once a day) with piperacillin/tazobactam (3.375 g 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 g intravenously once a day) with piperacillin/tazobactam (3.375 g 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 (204) patients randomized to ertapenem and 202 patients randomized to piperacillin/tazobactam were clinically evaluable. The clinical success rates at 10 days posttherapy were 75% (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 g parenterally once a day) with ceftriaxone (1 g 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% (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 g parenterally once a day) with ceftriaxone (1 g 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 g intravenously once a day) with piperacillin/tazobactam (3.375 g 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 g) versus cefotetan (2 g) 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 (346) 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%, [95% C.I.: 6.1, 20.4], p<0.001). Prophylaxis failure due to surgical site infections occurred in 18.2% (63/346) ertapenem patients and 31% (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%, [95% C.I.: 2.9, 15.9], 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.

14.2 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 g 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% (40/46) for ertapenem and 90% (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 g IV once a day in patients 13 to 17 years of age) to ticarcillin/clavulanate (50 mg/kg for patients <60 kg or 3 g 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.

16.1 How Supplied

Ertapenem for injection is a sterile, white to off white lyophilized cake or powder in single-dose vials containing ertapenem for intravenous infusion or for intramuscular injection and is supplied as follows:

1 gram/vial

Single-Dose Vials in a Carton of 10              NDC 55150-282-20

16.2 Storage and Handling

Before reconstitution

Do not store lyophilized powder above 25°C (77°F).

Reconstituted and infusion solutions

The reconstituted solution, immediately diluted in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection [see Dosage and Administration (2.7)], may be stored at room temperature (25°C) and used within 6 hours or stored for 24 hours under refrigeration (5°C) and used within 4 hours after removal from refrigeration. Solutions of ertapenem for injection should not be frozen.

Discard Unused Portion.

The vial stoppers are not made with natural rubber latex.

17.1 Instructions for Patients

Patients should be advised that allergic reactions, including serious allergic reactions could occur and that serious reactions may require immediate treatment. Advise patients to report any previous hypersensitivity reactions to ertapenem, other beta-lactams or other allergens.

Patients should be counseled to inform their physician if they are taking valproic acid or divalproex sodium. Valproic acid concentrations in the blood may drop below the therapeutic range upon co-administration with ertapenem. If treatment with ertapenem is necessary and continued, alternative or supplemental anti-convulsant medication to prevent and/or treat seizures may be needed.

Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including ertapenem should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When ertapenem is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by ertapenem or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.

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