Brand Name(s):

  • Teflaro®

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Ceftaroline injection is used to treat some types of skin infections and pneumonia (lung infection) caused by certain bacteria. Ceftaroline is in a class of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Ceftaroline injection comes as a powder to be added to fluid and given through a needle or catheter placed in your vein. It is usually injected intravenously (into a vein) over a period of 60 minutes twice a day (once every 12 hours) for 5 to 14 days. The length of your treatment depends on the type of infection you have. You may receive ceftaroline injection in a hospital or you may give the medication at home. If you are using ceftaroline injection at home, use it at around the same times every day. Use ceftaroline injection exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If you will be using ceftaroline injection at home, your healthcare provider will show you how to inject the medication. Be sure that you understand these directions, and ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions. Ask your healthcare provider what to do if you have any problems injecting ceftaroline injection.

You should begin to feel better during the first few days of your treatment with ceftaroline injection. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.

Use ceftaroline injection until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop using ceftaroline injection too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before using ceftaroline injection,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ceftaroline, cephalosporin antibiotics, penicillin antibiotics, carbapenem antibiotics, or any other medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure if a medication you are allergic to belongs to one of these groups of medications. Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in ceftaroline injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using ceftaroline injection, call your doctor.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Ceftaroline injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • redness or irritation at the injection site

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • watery or bloody stools, stomach cramps or fever during treatment or for up to two or more months after stopping treatment
  • hives
  • rash
  • itching
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • extreme tiredness
  • pale skin
  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • shortness of breath
  • chest pain
  • dizziness
  • cold hands and feet

Ceftaroline may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at Web Site] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Your healthcare provider will tell you how to store your medication. Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand how to store your medication properly. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your healthcare provider about the proper disposal of your medication.

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to ceftaroline injection.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish your treatment with ceftaroline injection, call your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: May 16, 2011.