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What should I discuss with my health care provider before using ceftazidime injection (Fortaz, Tazicef)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ceftazidime, or to similar antibiotics, such as:

• cefaclor (Ceclor);
• cefadroxil (Duricef);
• cefazolin (Ancef);
• cefdinir (Omnicef);
• cefditoren (Spectracef);
• cefprozil (Cefzil);
• ceftibuten (Cedax);
• cefuroxime (Ceftin);
• cephradine (Velosef);
• cephalexin (Keflex); and others.

To make sure you can safely use ceftazidime, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis;
• diabetes;
• congestive heart failure;
• if you are allergic to penicillin;
• cancer;
• if you are malnourished; or
• if you have had a very recent surgery or medical emergency.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Ceftazidime can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while using ceftazidime.

Ceftazidime can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use ceftazidime injection (Fortaz, Tazicef)?

Ceftazidime is injected into a muscle or vein. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, syringes, and other items used in giving the medicine.

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

You may need to mix ceftazidime with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Ceftazidime will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

This medication can cause unusual results with certain lab tests for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using ceftazidime.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If your medicine was provided in a frozen form or was frozen after mixing, thaw it in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not warm in a microwave or boiling water. Use the medicine as soon as possible after thawing it. Do not refreeze.

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