MERREM

Drug Name: MERREM

MERREM DESCRIPTION:
MEROPENEM - INJECTION (mer-oh-PEN-um)

COMMON MERREM BRAND NAME(S):
Merrem

MERREM SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, diarrhea, headache or pain/redness at the injection site may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects: stomach pain, black/bloody stools, white patches in the mouth, fever, mental/mood changes, unusually fast/slow/irregular pulse, chest pain, seizures, change in amount of urine, yellowing eyes or skin. An allergic reaction to MERREM is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. Use of MERREM for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE MERREM:
MERREM: MERREM is given by vein (IV), generally every 8 hours, or as directed by your doctor. The length of therapy depends on your condition and response to treatment. You may be switched to an oral antibiotic when you are able to take medication by mouth. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. This is done by giving you the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. You should continue to use antibiotic medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, resulting in a relapse of the infection. Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids. Consult your pharmacist. MERREM should be checked visually for particles or discoloration before use. If present, do not use the liquid.

MERREM USES:
MERREM is a carbapenem antibiotic (related to penicillin) used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections (e.g., stomach/abdominal infections, meningitis).

MERREM PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies (especially to other carbapenems such as imipenem, or penicillin/cephalosporin antibiotics such as amoxicillin or cephalexin); kidney disease; and seizures or brain disorders (e.g., brain tumors, meningitis). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known whether MERREM passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

MERREM DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially medication for gout (e.g., probenecid), live vaccines, or other antibiotics. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

MERREM OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

MERREM NOTES:
Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED MERREM DOSE:
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

MERREM STORAGE:
Store dry powder at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Consult your pharmacist for details about storage and stability of the drug after mixing and dilution with correct IV fluids. Discard any unused liquid.