Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Cefazolin for Injection, USP (Fresenius Kabi Canada, 500 mg, ..., 100 G)
What is Cefazolin for Injection, USP used for?
Cefazolin for Injection, USP is used for the treatment of infections caused by certain bacteria in many different parts of the body including the treatment of pneumonia.
Cefazolin for Injection, USP can also be used to prevent infections, before and after surgery.
Antibacterial drugs like Cefazolin for Injection, USP treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections.
How does Cefazolin for Injection, USP work?
Cefazolin for Injection, USP is an antibiotic, which belongs to a class of drugs called cephalosporins. Cefazolin for Injection, USP works by killing bacteria which cause infections in the body.
What are the ingredients in Cefazolin for Injection, USP?
Medicinal ingredients: cefazolin sodium
Non-medicinal ingredients: none
Cefazolin for Injection, USP comes in the following dosage forms:
Sterile powder for solution:
- 15 mL vials containing cefazolin sodium equivalent to 500 mg of cefazolin, packaged 25 vials per carton.
- 15 mL vials containing cefazolin sodium equivalent to 1 g of cefazolin, packaged 10 vials or 25 vials per carton.
- 100 mL “Pharmacy Bulk Package” vials containing cefazolin sodium equivalent to 10 grams of cefazolin, packaged 10 vials per carton.
- 100 grams SmartPak® “Pharmacy Bulk Package” containing cefazolin sodium equivalent to 100 grams of cefazolin.
Do not use Cefazolin for Injection, USP if:
- you have had an allergic reaction to Cefazolin for Injection, USP or other medicines such as cephalosporins.
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take Cefazolin for Injection, USP. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- have had an allergic reaction to penicillins
- have a history of bowel disease, particularly colitis
- have gallbladder problems
- have kidney problems with or without liver problems
are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment
- are breast feeding
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with Cefazolin for Injection, USP:
- Probenecid used in the treatment of gout
How to take Cefazolin for Injection, USP:
- Cefazolin for Injection, USP will be given to you by your healthcare professional as an injection into either a vein or a muscle.
- Although you may feel better early in treatment, Cefazolin for Injection, USP should be used exactly as directed.
- Misuse or overuse of Cefazolin for Injection, USP could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by Cefazolin for Injection, USP (resistance). This means that Cefazolin for Injection, USP may not work for you in the future.
- Do not share your medicine.
Usual dose:
Your healthcare professional will decide how much Cefazolin for Injection, USP to give you and how often.
Overdose:
| If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much Cefazolin for Injection, USP, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms. |
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Missed Dose:
If you miss an appointment to receive an injection of Cefazolin for Injection, USP, contact your healthcare professional as soon as possible.
What are possible side effects from using Cefazolin for Injection, USP?
These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking Cefazolin for Injection, USP. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.
Side effects may include:
- diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
- stomach cramps, loss of appetite
- rash, itching
- pain, tenderness or a hardened mass at the injection site
- vaginal and anal itching
Cefazolin for Injection, USP can cause abnormal blood test results. Your healthcare professional will decide when to perform blood tests and interpret the results.
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| Anemia: fatigue, loss of energy, weakness, shortness of breath | ✓ | ||
| Hypersensitivity: rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing | ✓ | ||
| Liver disorder: yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite | ✓ | ||
| Oral candidiasis (yeast infection): creamy white bumps on the tongue, cheeks, gums or throat that bleed when scraped, pain, trouble swallowing, bad taste in the mouth | ✓ | ||
| Phlebitis: swelling of a vein near the injection site, with pain, tenderness, redness | ✓ | ||
| Platelet count increased: burning, redness, throbbing, numbness and/or tingling in the hands and feet, headache, dizziness, weakness, fainting, chest pain, vision changes | ✓ | ||
| Pseudomembranous colitis: watery, bloody diarrhea, mucus in the stool, abdominal cramps and pain, fever | ✓ | ||
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| Vulvovaginal mycotic infection: vaginal itching, burning during intercourse or urination, pain, redness, swelling, discharge | ✓ | ||
| White blood cell count decreased: infection, fatigue, fever, aches, pain, flu-like symptoms | ✓ | ||
Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCAR) (severe skin reactions that may also affect other organs):
| ✓ | ||
| Seizures (fit): uncontrollable shaking with or without loss of consciousness. You are more likely to experience this if you have kidney problems. | ✓ | ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
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Storage:
Cefazolin for Injection, USP (unreconstituted product) in vials will be stored by your healthcare professional at room temperature (15 oC to 30 oC) and protected from light.
Cefazolin for Injection, USP in SmartPak® bag: Prior to reconstitution, store dry powder between 15 oC and 25 oC. PROTECT FROM LIGHT. THE INNER BAG SHOULD BE RETAINED IN THE OUTER BAG UNTIL TIME OF USE.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about Cefazolin for Injection, USP:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full Product Monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html); the manufacturer’s website (http://www.fresenius-kabi.com/en-ca/), or by calling 1-877-821-7724.
Fresenius Kabi Canada Ltd.
165 Galaxy Blvd, Suite 100
Toronto, ON M9W 0C8