Why is this medication prescribed?

Cefiderocol injection is prescribed primarily for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), including pyelonephritis, caused by susceptible Gram-negative bacteria in adults who have limited or no alternative treatment options. It belongs to the class of antibiotics known as cephalosporins and works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis.

How should this medicine be used?

Here Cefiderocol Injection should be used as:

• Dosage: The dosage of cefiderocol injection is typically determined by the severity of the infection, the specific bacteria causing it, and the patient’s renal function (kidney function).
• Administration: It is administered intravenously (IV), which means it is given directly into the bloodstream through a vein.
• Frequency: The usual recommended dose is 2 grams (g) every 8 hours, infused over a period of 3 hours.
• Duration: The duration of treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the infection. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate duration based on your response to treatment.
• Preparation: The injection is prepared by a healthcare professional and should not be mixed with or administered simultaneously with other medications.
• Monitoring: While receiving cefiderocol, your healthcare provider may monitor your renal function and overall response to treatment.
• Follow-up: It’s essential to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if you start feeling better. Stopping the medication early can result in the infection not being fully treated.
• Special Instructions: If you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider immediately for instructions. Do not double the dose to catch up.

It’s crucial to use cefiderocol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, discuss them with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Other uses for this medicine

• Hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia (HABP) and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (VABP): In some cases, cefiderocol may be considered for these infections caused by susceptible Gram-negative bacteria.
• Bloodstream infections: Cefiderocol may be used in certain bloodstream infections caused by susceptible Gram-negative bacteria.

What special precautions should I follow?

When using cefiderocol injection, it’s crucial to follow these special precautions:

• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, particularly to cephalosporin antibiotics or other beta-lactam antibiotics.
• Kidney function: Cefiderocol is primarily eliminated through the kidneys. Adjustments in dosage may be necessary for patients with impaired renal function. Regular monitoring of kidney function tests may be required during treatment.
• Hypersensitivity reactions: Monitor for signs of hypersensitivity reactions, such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Seek medical attention immediately if any of these symptoms occur.
• Drug interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medications may interact with cefiderocol, affecting how it works or increasing the risk of side effects.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of cefiderocol during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Diarrhea: Antibiotic use, including cefiderocol, can sometimes lead to overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including Clostridium difficile, which can cause severe diarrhea and colitis. If you develop persistent diarrhea during or after treatment, inform your healthcare provider.
• Superinfection: Antibiotic use may result in the overgrowth of resistant organisms. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience new or worsening symptoms during or after treatment.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and discuss any concerns you have regarding cefiderocol injection. This medication should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional who can assess its appropriateness for your specific condition and monitor your response to treatment.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with cefiderocol injection. However, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet can support overall health and immune function, which may aid in recovery from infections.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you miss a dose of cefiderocol injection, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance. Generally, the missed dose should be administered as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Cefiderocol injection, like all medications, can cause side effects. The severity and frequency of these side effects can vary from person to person. Common side effects of cefiderocol injection may include:

• Diarrhea: This is a common side effect of many antibiotics, including cefiderocol. It can range from mild to severe.
• Nausea and vomiting: Some people may experience gastrointestinal upset such as nausea and vomiting.
• Headache: Headaches are a possible side effect of cefiderocol.
• Injection site reactions: Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site may occur.
• Liver function abnormalities: Rarely, cefiderocol can cause changes in liver function tests.
• Allergic reactions: Serious allergic reactions to cefiderocol are rare but possible. Signs may include rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea: This is a severe form of diarrhea that can occur with antibiotic use. It may range from mild diarrhea to life-threatening colitis.
• Superinfection: Use of antibiotics like cefiderocol can lead to overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, which may require treatment with other antibiotics.
• Decreased effectiveness of birth control pills: Cefiderocol may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use an additional form of contraception while taking this medication.
• Changes in blood counts: In rare cases, cefiderocol can cause changes in blood counts such as decreased white blood cell count (neutropenia) or decreased platelet count (thrombocytopenia).

It’s important to note that not all people will experience these side effects, and some may experience side effects not listed here. If you notice any unusual or severe symptoms while receiving cefiderocol injection, notify your healthcare provider immediately.

As with any medication, the benefits of treatment should be weighed against the potential risks of side effects. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for side effects during treatment with cefiderocol.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Cefiderocol Injection:

• Storage: Cefiderocol injection should be stored according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Typically, it should be stored at controlled room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal: Unused cefiderocol injection should be disposed of properly. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the best way to dispose of unused medication. Do not dispose of it in household trash unless instructed to do so.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of an emergency or overdose with cefiderocol injection, contact your local poison control center (1-800-222-1222 in the United States) or seek emergency medical attention immediately. Overdose symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or neurological symptoms. Be prepared to provide information about the medication and the amount taken.

What other information should I know?

• Monitoring: Your healthcare provider may perform regular tests to monitor your response to cefiderocol and to check for any side effects.
• Follow-up: It’s important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your healthcare provider, even if you start feeling better. Stopping the medication early can lead to incomplete treatment and potential recurrence of infection.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medications can interact with cefiderocol, affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
• Allergic Reactions: If you develop signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Discuss with your healthcare provider the risks and benefits of using cefiderocol if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Cefiderocol is not known to impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience dizziness or any other side effects that may impair your ability to perform these tasks safely, avoid doing so until you feel better.
• Medical Alerts: Inform other healthcare providers (such as dentists and specialists) that you are receiving cefiderocol injection. They should be aware of your current medications to avoid potential interactions or complications.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and guidelines regarding the use of cefiderocol injection. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, do not hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.