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Zerbaxa is an intravenous (IV) antibiotic that is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and headaches. Serious side effects are much less common but can include a type of diarrhea that is difficult to treat. Tell your health care provider right away if you get watery or bloody diarrhea even up to two months after stopping this medicine. 

Uses

What is Zerbaxa used for?

Zerbaxa (ceftolozane/tazobactam) is an antibiotic that is commonly used for the following types of infections caused by certain bacteria (bacterial infection).

Zerbaxa may not be the right drug for some infections, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to Zerbaxa, which will make it not work as well.

Zerbaxa may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Zerbaxa work (mechanism of action)?

Zerbaxa contains two medicines, ceftolozane and tazobactam. Ceftolozane, an antibiotic, kills certain bacteria by preventing them from making their cell wall. Some bacteria can produce substances, called beta-lactamases, that reduce the effects of certain antibiotics, like ceftolozane. Tazobactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor. It blocks these substances so that ceftolozane can keep working.

How is Zerbaxa supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Zerbaxa

Dosage forms and strengths

Zerbaxa is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Zerbaxa?

Zerbaxa is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Zerbaxa?

The most common side effects of Zerbaxa are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the age of the person or the condition that is being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Increased levels of liver enzymes
  • Kidney problems
  • Stomach pain

There may be other side effects of Zerbaxa that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Zerbaxa?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Zerbaxa are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Zerbaxa may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Zerbaxa and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including Zerbaxa. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can happen even up to two months after stopping the antibiotic. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.

  • Watery diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Blood in your stool (poop)
  • Severe stomach cramps
  • Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Zerbaxa?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Zerbaxa.

  • Ceftolozane
  • Tazobactam
  • Zerbaxa
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Zerbaxa.

What should I know about Zerbaxa before using it?

Zerbaxa is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.

Zerbaxa only treats certain infections caused by bacteria. It will not work for viral infections, such as the common cold, influenza, or coronavirus. It also will not work for any other non-bacterial infections. Using Zerbaxa or any other antibiotic when it is not needed (infections other than those caused by bacteria, or the lack of an infection in general) may cause the antibiotic to not work for bacterial infections in the future.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Zerbaxa?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Zerbaxa is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Any allergies, especially to other antibiotics
  • History of antibiotic-associated diarrhea
  • Kidney problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Zerbaxa could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Zerbaxa passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Zerbaxa while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Zerbaxa?

For more information about Zerbaxa, you can visit the drugmaker's website at www.merck.com/patients or call them at 800-444-2080.

Interactions

Does Zerbaxa interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Zerbaxa and foods or drinks. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Zerbaxa, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does Zerbaxa interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Zerbaxa and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Zerbaxa?

If you or someone else has used too much Zerbaxa, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Zerbaxa?

Zerbaxa is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Zerbaxa as scheduled.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of Zerbaxa, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to Zerbaxa or other similar medicines.