From the Guidelines
Invanz (ertapenem) can cause several side effects, including diarrhea, nausea, headache, and injection site reactions, as well as more severe reactions such as allergic reactions, seizures, and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, as noted in clinical studies 1. The most common side effects of Invanz include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
- Injection site reactions such as pain, swelling, or redness Some patients may also experience:
- Vomiting
- Altered taste
- Insomnia More concerning side effects of Invanz include:
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
- Seizures
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, which can occur even weeks after treatment ends Rarely, Invanz may cause:
- Severe skin reactions
- Effects on blood cell counts Patients with a history of seizures or brain lesions should use this medication cautiously, as it may increase the risk of seizures 1. It is also important to note that Invanz can reduce the effectiveness of valproic acid, an anti-seizure medication, by inhibiting its absorption 1. As with other antibiotics, Invanz works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, but this mechanism can disrupt normal gut flora, leading to digestive side effects 1. If severe diarrhea, signs of allergic reaction, or unusual symptoms develop while taking Invanz, medical attention should be sought immediately.
From the FDA Drug Label
ADVERSE REACTIONS Adults: The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) in patients treated with ertapenem for injection, including those who were switched to therapy with an oral antimicrobial, were diarrhea, nausea, headache and infused vein complication. (6. 1) Pediatrics: Adverse reactions in this population were comparable to adults. The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) in pediatric patients treated with ertapenem for injection, including those who were switched to therapy with an oral antimicrobial, were diarrhea, vomiting and infusion site pain. (6.1)
The side effects of Invanz (ertapenem) include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
- Infused vein complication in adults
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Infusion site pain in pediatric patients 2, 2
From the Research
Side Effects of Invanz (Ertapenem)
- Seizures: Ertapenem has been associated with seizures, although this is a rare side effect 3. A case report described a patient who developed seizures after 3 days of ertapenem therapy, despite having no prior central nervous system (CNS) disorder or severe renal dysfunction 3.
- Cross-reactivity: Ertapenem has been shown to have a low rate of cross-reactivity with other β-lactam antibiotics, making it a potential option for patients with IgE-mediated β-lactam allergy 4.
- Increased risk of Clostridium difficile infection: Ertapenem prophylaxis has been associated with an increased risk of Clostridium difficile infection among surgical patients 5.
- Neurological side effects: Ertapenem, like other carbapenems, may be associated with an increased risk of seizures, although the absolute risk is low 6.
- Other side effects: Common side effects of ertapenem include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, although these are not unique to this medication and can occur with other antibiotics as well 7.
Comparison to Other Carbapenems
- Ertapenem has been compared to other carbapenems, such as imipenem and meropenem, in terms of its epileptogenic potential 6.
- Imipenem has been shown to be more epileptogenic than non-carbapenem antibiotics, although there was no statistically significant difference in the imipenem versus meropenem head-to-head comparison 6.
- Ertapenem has been shown to have a similar safety profile to other carbapenems, although its efficacy and safety have been demonstrated in a variety of clinical trials 7.