Consumer Information for: APO-CEFEPIME

Consumer Information

Information about the product including what the product is used for, dosage, warnings, proper use and side effects. This summary will not tell you everything about the product. Contact your healthcare professional if you have any questions about the product.


What the medication is used for

APO-CEFEPIME (cefepime for injection) is indicated in the treatment of the following infections when caused by susceptible bacteria:

  • Lower respiratory tract infections
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Skin infections
  • Peritonitis
  • Bacterial septicemia
What it does

APO-CEFEPIME (cefepime for injection) is an antibiotic, which belongs to a class of drugs called cephalosporins. APO-CEFEPIME (cefepime for injection) works by killing bacteria which cause infections in the body.

When it should not be used

APO-CEFEPIME (cefepime for injection) will not be administered if you have had an allergic reaction to cefepime or other antibiotics such as cephalosporins, penicillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics.

What the medicinal ingredient is

Cefepime Hydrochloride

What the non-medicinal ingredients are

L-arginine

What dosage form it comes in

It is available in single use vials containing 1 g and 2 g of cefepime activity.

Warnings and precautions

Before receiving APO-CEFEPIME (cefepime for injection) and to get the best possible treatment, be sure to tell your doctor if you:

  • Have had an allergic reaction to cefepime for injection or other medicines such as cephalosporins, penicillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics.
  • Have a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis
  • Have kidney disease or liver disease
  • Are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment
  • Are breast feeding

It is important for your doctor to have this information before prescribing your treatment and dosage.

Interactions with this medication

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Increased kidney toxicity has been reported when other specific types of antibiotics have been given with cefepime for injection.

If you have diabetes, this medicine could affect a urine test for sugar.

Ask your doctor how you should do a urine sugar test.

Proper use of this medication

Usual Dose

APO-CEFEPIME (cefepime for injection) can be given either as an injection into a vein or into your muscle. The dosage and route of administration is determined according to the susceptibility of the causative organisms, the severity of the infection, and your general condition including your kidney function. In the event of overdosage, contact your doctor, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre.

Side effects and what to do about them

Like other medicines, APO-CEFEPIME (cefepime for injection) can cause some side effects. If you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
  • Change in how much or how often you urinate
  • Confusion, hallucinations, loss of consciousness or seizures
  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools
  • Severe diarrhea that may contain blood
  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or body aches
  • Severe nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
  • White spots or sores on lips or in mouth

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience:

  • Diarrhea (mild)
  • Headache
  • Mild skin rash or itching
  • Vaginal itching or discharge
  • Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin at injection site

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor for any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking APO-CEFEPIME (cefepime for injection), contact your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store

All medicines should be kept out of reach of children.

Store dry powder at room temperature (15-30C) and protect from light. The dry powder may also be stored in the refrigerator (2-8°C), protected from light.

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.

More information

For more information, please contact your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.

This leaflet plus the full product monograph, prepared for health professionals, can be obtained by contacting DISpedia, Apotex's Drug Information Service at: 1-800-667-4708.

This leaflet can also be found at: http://www.apotex.ca/products

This leaflet was prepared by
Apotex Inc.
Toronto, Ontario
M9L 1T9.
Date of Revision: November 12, 2019

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