6 mins read

Overview: Zevtera is an antibiotic that is given into a blood vessel (IV) and is used to treat certain bacterial infections. It works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, headache, rash, or changes in certain lab tests. Serious side effects are much less common, but can include a type of diarrhea that is hard to treat. Tell your health care provider right away if you get watery or bloody diarrhea.

Uses

What is Zevtera used for?

Zevtera (ceftobiprole medocaril) is an antibiotic that is commonly used for the following infections caused by certain bacteria (bacterial infection).

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

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

How does Zevtera work (mechanism of action)?

Zevtera kills certain bacteria by preventing them from being able to create their cell wall.

How is Zevtera supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Zevtera

Dosage forms and strengths

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

How should I store Zevtera?

Zevtera 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 Zevtera?

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

  • Low red blood cell levels (anemia) or low white blood cell levels (leukopenia)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Low potassium levels (hypokalemia)
  • Increased levels of liver enzymes, bilirubin, or creatinine
  • Diarrhea (see below)
  • Headache
  • High blood pressure
  • Rash
  • Fever
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Stomach pain
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
  • Dizziness
  • Change in how things taste

There may be other side effects of Zevtera 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 Zevtera?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Zevtera may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. 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 or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Seizures. Some people who have used Zevtera have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Tell your health care provider right away 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

Nervous System Problems. The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves (the fibers that carry sensations from your body to the brain). Nervous system problems, including damage to the brain (encephalopathy), can happen in people using Zevtera. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Confusion
  • Memory loss
  • Trouble thinking clearly or focusing
  • Extreme sleepiness
  • Jerky movements, twitching, or tremor

Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or C diff, can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including Zevtera. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can happen even up to 2 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
  • Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Zevtera?

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

  • Ceftobiprole
  • Zevtera
  • Any other medicine known as a cephalosporin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Zevtera before using it?

Zevtera is given as an infusion into a vein (IV) by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.

Zevtera can cause dizziness. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Zevtera affects you.

Zevtera only treats certain infections caused by bacteria. Zevtera will not work for infections caused by viruses, such as the common cold, the flu, or coronavirus. It also will not work for any infections that are not caused by bacteria. Using Zevtera or any other antibiotic when it is not needed may cause the antibiotic to not work for bacterial infections in the future.

Zevtera may affect the results of certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers that you are using this medicine before any lab tests.

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

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 Zevtera 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.

  • An allergy to other antibiotics known as beta-lactams or penicillins, or any other allergy
  • History of antibiotic-associated diarrhea
  • Kidney or liver problems
  • Seizures, including epilepsy

Other Medicines and Supplements. Zevtera may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Zevtera, 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. It is not known if or how Zevtera 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 Zevtera 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 Zevtera while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Zevtera?

For more information about Zevtera, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.innovivaspecialtytherapeutics.com/products or call them at 800‑651‑3861.

Interactions

Does Zevtera interact with foods or drinks?

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

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

Does Zevtera 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.

Zevtera may alter the blood levels of some 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 Zevtera. 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 Zevtera?

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

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

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