Name of the Procedure:

Injection, ertapenem sodium
Common name: Ertapenem injection
Technical/Medical term: Injection, ertapenem sodium, 500 mg (HCPCS Code J1335)

Summary

Ertapenem is an antibiotic used to treat complicated infections, such as severe skin, urinary tract, intra-abdominal, and pelvic infections. It is administered through an injection and works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth.

Purpose

Ertapenem injection is used to treat a variety of serious infections caused by bacteria. The goal is to eradicate the bacterial infection, control the spread of bacteria, and reduce the symptoms caused by the infection.

Indications

• Complicated intra-abdominal infections
• Community-acquired pneumonia
• Complicated urinary tract infections
• Acute pelvic infections
• Complicated skin and skin structure infections Patients who are receiving this medication typically have infections that do not respond well to other antibiotics.

Preparation

• No special preparation is required, but inform your healthcare provider of any allergies or medical conditions.
• Patients should provide a complete list of all medications and supplements they are currently taking.
• Certain diagnostic tests, such as blood cultures, may be conducted to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection.

Procedure Description

1. The healthcare provider will prepare the injection site by cleaning it with an antiseptic to prevent infection.
2. The exact dose of ertapenem (500 mg) will be prepared, often mixed with an appropriate diluent.
3. The medication is typically administered as an intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injection.
4. For IV administration: A small needle or catheter is inserted into a vein, usually in the arm, and the medication is slowly injected.
5. For IM administration: The injection is given directly into a muscle, such as the upper arm or buttocks.
6. The site is monitored for any immediate reactions or discomfort.

Duration

The injection itself takes only a few minutes, but the entire process including preparation and monitoring may take 30-60 minutes.

Setting

The procedure is generally performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or sometimes in a doctor's office.

Personnel

• Nurse or medical assistant (primarily administers the injection)
• Physician or nurse practitioner (supervises the procedure and gives the prescription)
• Pharmacist (prepares the medication)

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Allergic reactions: Rash, itching, or shortness of breath, which might require immediate medical attention
• Rare complications: Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), seizure, or severe diarrhea caused by Clostridioides difficile.

Benefits

• Rapid alleviation of infection symptoms
• Reduction in bacterial load and infection severity
• Effective against a wide range of bacteria Patients often begin to feel relief within a few days of starting the treatment.

Recovery

• Post-procedure care involves monitoring the injection site for signs of infection.
• Patients should complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed.
• Most patients can resume normal activities shortly after the injection, but follow-up appointments may be needed to ensure the infection is fully treated.

Alternatives

• Oral antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin) for infections that are less severe.
• Other IV antibiotics (e.g., meropenem, piperacillin/tazobactam) based on bacterial susceptibility. Pros and Cons:
• Oral antibiotics may be more convenient but might not be effective for severe infections.
• Other IV antibiotics might require different dosing schedules or have different side effect profiles.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure: Patients may feel a brief sting or discomfort at the injection site.
• After the procedure: Most patients tolerate the medication well, with minimal side effects. Pain management: Ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort at the injection site, if needed.