Type of medicine: antibiotic
Generic and brand names: doripenem, injection; Doribax
This medicine is an antibiotic given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) or by IM injection (a shot into a large muscle). It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. It does not cure viral infections such as colds and the flu. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
You will be given this medicine by your healthcare provider while you are in the hospital. You will be closely watched to be sure that you do not develop any serious side effects. You must receive this medicine for as long as prescribed, even if you start to feel better. The infection may return if the medicine is stopped too soon.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
This medicine may cause or worsen diarrhea. If you develop severe diarrhea (especially watery and bloody diarrhea) while taking this medicine or even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of this medicine, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not take medicine to treat diarrhea without your provider's approval.
Your healthcare provider will check you regularly to be sure you do not develop a new infection (such as a fungus infection).
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse after you leave the hospital.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away): Seizures; severe or bloody diarrhea; fever or shaking chills; sweating; fast heartbeat; severe confusion; yellow color of eyes or skin; swelling in the ankles or legs; problems with urinating.
Other: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, mouth sores, shortness of breath, dizziness, irritation at injection site, abdominal pain, vaginal infection.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these medicines together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
