Ertapenem

The need-to-know information for Ertapenem (Invanz)

Ertapenem

Pearls and fun nuggets

1. Ertapenem is TCCC approved ✔ In fact, it’s the only recommended IV/IM antibiotic.

2. Ertapenem can’t kill everything 😐 It lacks useful activity against the P. aeruginosa and Acinetobacter species, both of which are important causes of hospital-acquired infections.[26]

3. You should save it as a last resort🚀 To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Ertapenem and other antibacterial drugs, Ertapenem should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly
suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.

Patient Perspectives

“I was put on ertapenem for an intestinal infection (Ileum infection due to Crohn’s). Infusion therapy sucks but I have not had any side effects from this drug except maybe some fatigue. Better for me than flagyl, which made me incredibly nauseated and unable to eat. While this drug is powerful, don’t be afraid. Everyone reacts differently to medication but I was told by my infectious disease doctor that this medication was about as well tolerated as amoxicillin. I have more issues with saline solution IV flushes than this.”

 

Like an idiot, I was helping a friend in his Horse Barn, NOT wearing gloves…The bacteria from this filthy barn got into a small cut on my hand…Immediately, my entire hand & arm swelled considerably…Very fast-moving bacteria ! After injecting the Ertapenem into my Take-Home-IV lock, each morning for 5-days, the swelling & infection completely disappeared…Great stuff !!

 

I am using this medication in a 64 year old male on the advice of an infection control physician and after florquinilones, pen g and clindamycin failed a satisfactory response for a severe lung abscess in an emphysema patient. After six weeks of other treatments, this patient has showed very significant improvement after two IV administered doses.

Follow me
Latest posts by Brandon Simpson, PA-C (see all)