The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea (6%)
- Nausea (3%)
- Headache (2%)
- Vaginal irritation in females (2%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Itching
- Rash
Ertapenem serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, blisters, skin reddening, swelling of the lips or tongue, trouble breathing
- Side effects affecting the nervous system: hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real), seizures, sudden and brief involuntary movements or twitching, not able to speak, confusion
- Infectious diarrhea (C. difficile-related diarrhea): fever, stomach pain or cramps, foul-smelling diarrhea, frequent bowel movements (up to 15 times per day)
Source: DailyMed
The following Ertapenem side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
blistering
burning
coldness
discoloration of skin
feeling of pressure
infection
inflammation
itching skin
lumps
numbness
redness of skin
skin rash
soreness
stinging
swelling
tenderness
tingling
ulceration
unusually warm skin
Less common
Bluish color changes in skin color
dry, red, hot, or irritated skin
fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
pain, tenderness, or swelling of foot or leg
Rare
Abdominal or stomach cramps
abdominal tenderness
convulsions
diarrhea, watery and severe, which may also be bloody
fainting or loss of consciousness
fast or irregular breathing
increased thirst
loss of bladder control
muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities
sudden loss of consciousness
swelling of eyes or eyelids
tightness in chest
trouble in breathing
unusual tiredness or weakness
unusual weight loss
vomiting
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Acid or sour stomach
belching
blurred vision
body aches or pain
congestion
difficult or labored breathing
difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
dizziness
dryness or soreness of throat
faintness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
fear
flushing
hoarseness
indigestion
itching of the vagina or genital area
lack or loss of strength
leg pain
nervousness
pain during sexual intercourse
pounding in the ears
slow heartbeat
sore mouth or tongue
stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
sudden sweating
tender, swollen glands in neck
thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor
tightness in chest
trouble sleeping
unable to sleep
voice changes
white patches in mouth and/or on tongue
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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