Zerbaxa Patient Counseling Information

Serious Allergic Reactions: Advise patient that allergic reactions, including serious allergic reactions, could occur and that serious reactions require immediate treatment. Ask patient about any previous hypersensitivity reactions to ZERBAXA, other beta-lactams (including cephalosporins) or other allergens [see Hypersensitivity Reactions under Precautions].
Potentially Serious Diarrhea: Advise patient that diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibacterial drugs. Sometimes, frequent watery or bloody diarrhea may occur and may be a sign of a more serious intestinal infection. If severe watery or bloody diarrhea develops, tell patient to contact his or her healthcare provider [see Clostridium difficile-associated Diarrhea under Precautions].
Antibacterial Resistance: Counsel patient that antibacterial drugs including ZERBAXA should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When ZERBAXA is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by ZERBAXA or other antibacterial drugs in the future [see Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria under Precautions].