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Overview: Fetroja is an intravenous (IV) antibiotic that is used for some types of pneumonia and certain kidney or bladder infections. It works by killing the bacteria causing the infection. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and a rash. Serious side effects are much less common, but can include a type of diarrhea that is difficult to treat. Notify your healthcare provider right away if you develop watery or bloody diarrhea.

Uses

What is Fetroja used for?

Fetroja (cefiderocol) is an antibiotic that is commonly used for the following infections caused by certain bacteria (bacterial infection).

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

Fetroja may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Fetroja work (mechanism of action)?

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

How is Fetroja supplied (dosage forms)?

Brand and other names

  • Fetroja

Fetroja is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.

How should I store Fetroja?

Fetroja is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Fetroja?

The most common side effects of Fetroja are listed below. Side effects can vary based on the infection being treated. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or vomiting
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
  • Rash
  • Fungal infection
  • Cough
  • Liver problems
  • Headache
  • Low potassium or magnesium levels
  • Atrial fibrillation

There may be other side effects of Fetroja that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare 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. 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 Fetroja?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Fetroja may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Fetroja 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 Fetroja. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can happen even up to two months after stopping the antibiotic. Call your healthcare 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

Another Infection With Prolonged Use. Using Fetroja for a prolonged period of time may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Call your healthcare provider if your infection does not improve or gets worse.

Brain or Central Nervous System (CNS) Problems. Fetroja can affect your brain or central nervous system (CNS). Call your healthcare provider right away if you have the following symptoms of brain or CNS problems.

  • Feeling unusually weak or tired
  • Sleepiness
  • Confusion or slowed thinking
  • Coma

Seizures. Some people who have used Fetroja have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop using Fetroja and call your healthcare 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

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Fetroja?

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

  • Fetroja 
  • Cefiderocol
  • Ceftazidime
  • Aztreonam
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Fetroja before using it?

Fetroja is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. 

Fetroja 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 Fetroja 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 healthcare provider before using Fetroja?

Tell your healthcare 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 determine if Fetroja is right for you.

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

  • An allergy to penicillins and/or cephalosporins
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • History of antibiotic-associated diarrhea
  • History of seizures

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

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Fetroja passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Fetroja while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Fetroja?

For more information about Fetroja, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at fetroja.com or call them at 800-849-9707.

Interactions

Does Fetroja interact with foods or drinks?

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

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

Does Fetroja interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Fetroja and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare 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 Fetroja?

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

Fetroja is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving Fetroja as scheduled.

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