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Vabomere is an antibiotic that is used to treat certain bladder and kidney infections. The most common side effects are headache; pain, itching, hardness, and swelling or redness near where you get the shot; and diarrhea. Tell your health care provider if you are taking seizure medicine or have a history of seizures before starting Vabomere. Talk to your health care provider right away if you get severe diarrhea, even several months after stopping the medicine.

Uses

What is Vabomere used for?

Vabomere (meropenem/vaborbactam) is an antibiotic commonly used to treat the following infections caused by certain bacteria.

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

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

How does Vabomere work (mechanism of action)?

Vabomere contains both meropenem and vaborbactam. Meropenem kills certain types of bacteria by blocking their ability to create their cell wall. Some bacteria can produce substances that reduce the effects of meropenem. Vaborbactam destroys these substances, which allows meropenem to keep working.

How is Vabomere supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Vabomere

Dosage forms and strengths

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

How should I store Vabomere?

Vabomere is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Vabomere?

The most common side effects of Vabomere are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Pain, itching, hardness, and swelling or redness near where you get the shot
  • Diarrhea

There may be other side effects of Vabomere 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 Vabomere?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Vabomere may cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. It is also sometimes called multiorgan hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body, including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop using the medicine 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
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)

Seizures. Some people who have used Vabomere have reported having seizures. This happens most often in people who have an infection in the brain (meningitis), a history of seizures, kidney problems, or other brain conditions. People who take certain medicines to treat a seizure disorder may also be at an increased risk of seizures while using Vabomere. There are many types of seizures, and some of them are not easy to recognize. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including Vabomere. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can happen two or more months after stopping the antibiotic. Tell 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 poop
  • Severe stomach cramps
  • A fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine

Low Platelet Levels. Vabomere can cause you to have a low number of platelets in your blood, also called thrombocytopenia. Platelets help to form blood clots. Having a low level of platelets may increase your risk of bleeding. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of low platelet levels.

  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Bleeding that does not stop
  • Nosebleeds

Decreased Mental Alertness or Coordination. Vabomere can affect your alertness or coordination by causing seizures, confusion (delirium), headaches, and/or skin numbness or tingling. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Vabomere affects you.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Vabomere?

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

  • Meropenem/vaborbactam
  • Vabomere
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

Allergies to Certain Antibiotics. You should not use Vabomere if you have an allergy to certain types of antibiotics, including penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, or monobactams. Tell your health care provider if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to an antibiotic.

What should I know about Vabomere before using it?

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

Vabomere can increase your risk of seizures. See the Side Effects section for more details. If you have a history of seizures, it is important that you take any seizure medicine as prescribed while using Vabomere.

If you use birth control that has hormones in it, Vabomere may make your birth control not work as well. You should use another form of birth control while using Vabomere to prevent pregnancy. 

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

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 Vabomere 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.

  • Seizures
  • Kidney problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Vabomere may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using/taking Vabomere, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Vabomere may harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Vabomere 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 Vabomere while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Vabomere?

For more information about Vabomere, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.vabomere.com or call them at 844-633-6568.

Interactions

Does Vabomere interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Vabomere, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection. Mental alertness may be further decreased if you drink alcohol while using Vabomere. It is best to limit alcohol intake while using Vabomere.

Does Vabomere interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

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. 

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Vabomere. 

  • Valproic acid, divalproex sodium, and valproate sodium (Depakote and others), which is a medicine used for seizures and other conditions
  • Probenecid, which is a medicine commonly used for gout
  • A birth control pill, patch, vaginal ring, implant, shot, or intrauterine device (IUD) that contains hormones

Vabomere may alter the blood levels of many other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken. 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Vabomere. Always check with your health care provider. 

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 Vabomere?

If you or someone else has used too much Vabomere, 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 Vabomere?

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

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