When is Fetroja (cefiderocol) is typically used?

Fetroja (cefiderocol) treats infections caused by different types of [Gram-negative bacteria](https://www.fetroja.com/antimicrobial-activity). It's typically only used if you have a serious infection from [resistant bacteria](https://www.cdc.gov/hai/organisms/gram-negative-bacteria.html), which are those that are [difficult to fight off](https://academic.oup.com/cid/article-abstract/74/7/1303/6366026?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false) and haven't responded well to other antibiotics.

How does Fetroja (cefiderocol) work?

Fetroja (cefiderocol) is a [cephalosporin](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551517/) antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing their ability to make a protective covering around themselves.

What are the common side effects of Fetroja (cefiderocol)?

Fetroja (cefiderocol) is typically well-tolerated and not many people experience side effects from the medication. Some [possible side effects](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=75c0c785-38e0-4049-a6fb-b77581f5b35c&type=display#section-6.1) include diarrhea or constipation, injection-site reactions (redness, swelling, pain, itching, irritation), rash, cough, and headache.

Fetroja

Q: What's Fetroja (cefiderocol) used for?

Fetroja (cefiderocol) is used for [complicated urinary tract infections](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK436013/), which are urinary tract infections that are difficult to treat. It can also treat pneumonia contracted in the hospital or while on [a ventilator](https://www.cdc.gov/hai/vap/vap.html). This antibiotic can be given to adults 18 years and older.

Q: How do I take Fetroja (cefiderocol) and how long do I need to be treated for?

The typical dose of Fetroja (cefiderocol) is 2 grams injected through the veins (IV) every 8 hours by a healthcare provider. Each infusion lasts about 3 hours. Your dose and how often you receive the medication might differ if you have kidney problems. Your treatment with Fetroja (cefiderocol) can last 1-2 weeks, depending on how serious your infection is and how well the antibiotic is working for you.

Q: Can Fetroja (cefiderocol) trigger seizures?

Yes, it's possible for Fetroja (cefiderocol) trigger a seizure. Please let your provider know if you had seizures in the past or if you're currently taking seizure medications. You might need to use a different antibiotic if you have a seizure while taking Fetroja (cefiderocol).

cefiderocol

Used for Urinary Tract Infection

Fetroja (cefiderocol) is a newer antibiotic that treats complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and pneumonia that people catch either in the hospital or while on a ventilator. It's typically only used if you have an infection from resistant bacteria, which are those that are difficult to treat and haven't responded well to other antibiotics. Fetroja (cefiderocol) is given as an injection through the veins, typically every 8 hours for 1 to 2 weeks. It's available as a brand-name medication only, which can be expensive.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on May 8, 2022

What is Fetroja (cefiderocol)?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Fetroja
Drug Class	Antibiotic
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Fetroja

Drug Class

Antibiotic

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Fetroja

Fetroja is used for complicated urinary tract infections, which are urinary tract infections that are difficult to treat. It can also treat pneumonia contracted in the hospital or while on a ventilator. This antibiotic can be given to adults 18 years and older.

Fetroja treats infections caused by different types of Gram-negative bacteria. It's typically only used if you have a serious infection from resistant bacteria, which are those that are difficult to fight off and haven't responded well to other antibiotics.

Fetroja is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing their ability to make a protective covering around themselves.

The typical dose of Fetroja is 2 grams injected through the veins (IV) every 8 hours by a healthcare provider. Each infusion lasts about 3 hours. Your dose and how often you receive the medication might differ if you have kidney problems. Your treatment with Fetroja can last 1-2 weeks, depending on how serious your infection is and how well the antibiotic is working for you.

Fetroja is typically well-tolerated and not many people experience side effects from the medication. Some possible side effects include diarrhea or constipation, injection-site reactions (redness, swelling, pain, itching, irritation), rash, cough, and headache.

Yes, it's possible for Fetroja trigger a seizure. Please let your provider know if you had seizures in the past or if you're currently taking seizure medications. You might need to use a different antibiotic if you have a seizure while taking Fetroja.