Imipenem/Cilastatin sodium
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about PRIMAXIN. It does not contain all the available information.
It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you using PRIMAXIN against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about being given this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet.
You may need to read it again.
What PRIMAXIN is used for
PRIMAXIN is an antibiotic which is used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria (germs). These infections may occur in many different parts of the body.
PRIMAXIN is sometimes given in addition to other antibiotics.
PRIMAXIN works by killing the bacteria causing the infection.
Before you are given PRIMAXIN
When you must not be given it
Do not use PRIMAXIN if you have an allergy to PRIMAXIN or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet
Before you are given it
Tell your doctor if:
1. you are pregnant or are breast-feeding
Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using PRIMAXIN during pregnancy and breast-feeding. PRIMAXIN passes into breast milk and may be passed on to the baby.
2. you have any medical conditions, especially the following:
a history of seizures or fits
brain disease
kidney disease
bowel problems
3. you have any allergies to other antibiotics, in particular, penicillins and cephalosporins
If you are allergic to any of these, you may be allergic to PRIMAXIN.
4. if you have any allergies to any other medicines or any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you are given PRIMAXIN.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including medicines that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may affect the way other medicines work. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to tell you what to do when being given PRIMAXIN with other medicines.
How PRIMAXIN is given
PRIMAXIN is given as a slow injection into a vein. PRIMAXIN must only be given by a doctor or nurse.
Your doctor will decide what dose of PRIMAXIN you will receive, depending on your infection and other factors, such as your weight.
PRIMAXIN is usually given in divided doses throughout the day.
While you are using PRIMAXIN
Things you must do
If you feel sick while you are receiving PRIMAXIN, tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Your doctor may need to slow down the rate of the injection.
If you develop severe diarrhoea, even if it occurs several weeks after PRIMAXIN has been stopped, tell you doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Diarrhoea may mean that you have a serious condition affecting your bowel. You may need urgent medical care. Do not take any diarrhoea medicine without first checking with your doctor.
If you have a history of seizures and you are taking anticonvulsant medicines, tell your doctor.
You should continue taking these medicines unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Some patients may develop tremors or seizures while receiving PRIMAXIN.
Things to be careful of
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how PRIMAXIN affects you.
PRIMAXIN generally does not cause any problems with your ability to drive a car or operate machinery. However, it may cause dizziness or lightheadedness in some people. Make sure you know how you react to PRIMAXIN before you drive a car or operating machinery.
Side Effects
Tell your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are being given PRIMAXIN.
PRIMAXIN helps most people with infection, but it may have unwanted side-effects in a few people. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects. PRIMAXIN generally does not cause any problems.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
pain, swelling or red skin where you had the injection
nausea, vomiting
diarrhoea
These are the more common side effects of PRIMAXIN.
Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you notice any of the following:
high temperature, also called fever
seizures or fits
tremors, confusion
abnormal movements
agitation
tingling or numbness of the hands and feet
fast or irregular heart beat, also called palpitations
passing little or no urine (water)
bruising more easily than normal
signs of frequent or worrying infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
signs of anaemia, such as tiredness, being short of breath, and looking pale
yellowing of the skin and eyes, also called jaundice
skin problems such as rash or itchiness
red or purplish-red patches on the skin
hearing loss
severe abdominal or stomach cramps
watery and severe diarrhoea, which may also be bloody
These are serious side effects of PRIMAXIN. You may need urgent medical attention. Serious side effects are rare.
A few people may be allergic to some medicines. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you notice any of the following:
dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting
swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
shortness of breath
itchy skin rash
pinkish, itchy swellings on the skin, also called hives or nettlerash
If you have these, you may have had a serious allergic reaction to PRIMAXIN. You may need urgent medical attention.
Also, tell your doctor if you notice:
staining of the teeth and/or tongue
a change in the colour of your urine
These are other side effects that have been reported with PRIMAXIN.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.
After PRIMAXIN has been stopped
Things you must do
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following side effects particularly if they occur several weeks after stopping treatment with PRIMAXIN:
severe abdominal cramps or stomach cramps
watery and severe diarrhoea, which may also be bloody
fever
These are all serious side effects. You may have a serious condition affecting your bowel. You may need urgent medical attention. Do not take any diarrhoea medicine without first checking with your doctor.
Storage
PRIMAXIN will be stored in the pharmacy or on the ward.
The powder for injection is kept in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Do not use PRIMAXIN if the expiry date (EXP) printed on the carton has passed.
Product Description
Ingredients
Active ingredients:
PRIMAXIN 500 - imipenem 500 mg and cilastatin 500 mg (as the sodium salt) per vial
Inactive ingredients:
sodium bicarbonate
