teflaro

Teflaro (ceftaroline) belongs to a group of drugs called cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotics. It works by fighting bacteria in your body.

Teflaro is used to treat skin infections or pneumonia caused by bacteria.

Teflaro may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

You should not use Teflaro if you are allergic to ceftaroline, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceftin, Cefzil, Keflex, and others.

Before using Teflaro, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin). Also tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or a history of intestinal problems.

Use Teflaro for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Teflaro will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop using Teflaro and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Teflaro?

You should not use Teflaro if you are allergic to ceftaroline or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as:

• cefaclor (Raniclor);

• cefadroxil (Duricef);

• cefazolin (Ancef);

• cefdinir (Omnicef);

• cefditoren (Spectracef);

• cefpodoxime (Vantin);

• cefprozil (Cefzil);

• ceftibuten (Cedax);

• cefuroxime (Ceftin);

• cephalexin (Keflex); or

• cephradine (Velosef); and others.

To make sure you can safely use Teflaro, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• a history of intestinal problems, such as colitis; or

• if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillin antibiotics).

FDA pregnancy category B. Teflaro is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether ceftaroline passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Teflaro without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

How is Teflaro given?

Teflaro is injected into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.

Teflaro is usually given every 12 hours for 5 to 14 days. Follow your doctor"s instructions. This medicine must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take up at least 1 hour to complete.

Teflaro is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.

Prepare your dose in a syringe only when you are ready to give yourself an injection. Teflaro should look clear or yellow in color. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Use Teflaro for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Teflaro will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Store Teflaro in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop using Teflaro and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Teflaro side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Teflaro: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• chest pain;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• unusual bleeding;

• seizure (convulsions);

• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

• increased thirst, loss of appetite, swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath, urinating less than usual or not at all; or

• low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling).

Less serious Teflaro side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, constipation, mild diarrhea;

• dizziness; or

• mild itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Teflaro?

There may be other drugs that can interact with Teflaro. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.