What Is Invanz Used For?

Invanz contains ertapenem, a powerful antibiotic that belongs to a class called carbapenems. It’s designed to fight serious bacterial infections when other antibiotics may not be effective.

Primary Uses

Invanz treats bacterial infections including infections within the abdomen (stomach), pelvic infections, and diabetic foot infections in patients without osteomyelitis. It may also be used when you’re not responding to or cannot tolerate other antibiotics.

How It Works

Invanz works by killing the bacteria causing your infection, helping your body fight off the bacterial infection effectively.

How to Take Invanz

Invanz is only given by healthcare professionals in a medical setting. You cannot take this medication at home.

Administration Methods

Invanz can be given in two ways: as a slow injection into a vein (intravenous infusion) or as a deep injection into a large muscle (intramuscular injection). Your doctor will decide the dose and duration based on your condition and kidney function.

Professional Administration

Invanz must only be prepared and given by a doctor or nurse. The medication will be administered according to your specific medical needs.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• Discomfort at injection site (pain, tenderness, redness, swelling)
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Vaginal itching or redness
• Changes in blood test results

Important Warnings

There are several important safety considerations before receiving Invanz. Make sure your healthcare team knows about all your medical conditions and allergies.

Who Should Not Take Invanz

Do not receive Invanz if you’re allergic to ertapenem or any ingredients, have allergies to other antibiotics in the same class, have had serious allergic reactions to beta-lactam antibiotics (including penicillins or cephalosporins), or if the vial shows tampering or is expired. For muscle injection, avoid if you’re allergic to amide-type local anesthetics (particularly lidocaine), in severe shock, or have heart block.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have seizures or fits, kidney disease or are on dialysis, bowel problems while using antibiotics, allergies to other antibiotics (especially penicillins and cephalosporins), or are taking valproic acid medication.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Invanz is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If needed during pregnancy, your doctor will discuss risks and benefits. Invanz passes into breast milk, so discuss alternatives with your doctor if breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Some medications can interfere with how Invanz works. Always tell your healthcare team about all medicines you’re taking.

• Sodium valproate (used for epilepsy and mania)

Alcohol & Driving

Invanz may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Invanz may cause dizziness or sleepiness in some patients. Make sure you know how you react to Invanz before driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that could be dangerous if you’re dizzy or sleepy.

Storage

You won’t need to store Invanz yourself as it will be kept in the pharmacy or hospital ward. The powder for injection should be stored in a cool, dry place below 25°C.

Overdose Information

Since Invanz is given by healthcare professionals, overdose is unlikely. However, if you have concerns, immediately contact a healthcare professional, call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.

Frequently Asked Questions