INVANZ^®  "is the first of a new group of carbapenems".¹ The introduction of INVANZ  provides effective once-a-day therapy for patients with polymicrobial community-acquired infections. In large-scale randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials, INVANZ once a day demonstrated proven efficacy and safety profiles in the following indications:

• Complicated intra-abdominal infections
• Complicated skin and skin structure infections, including diabetic foot infections without osteomyelitis.
• Community-acquired pneumonia
• Complicated urinary tract infections including pyelonephritis
• Acute pelvic infections, including postpartum endomyometritis, septic abortion, and postsurgical gynecologic infections

INVANZ has shown rapid bactericidal power in vitro,² stability to extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs),^2,3 and appropriate coverage of gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic pathogens.^a These are the pathogens commonly found in community-acquired infections.^4,5

INVANZ has a proven safety and tolerability profile.  Discontinuations due to adverse experiences were rare (1.3%) in clinical trials. In vitro studies indicate that INVANZ does not inhibit metabolism mediated by any of the six major cytochrome P450 isoforms, and drug interactions with INVANZ are likely to be minimal.^b

This is important for elderly patients with comorbidities taking several medications.

INVANZ has convenient one gram, one dose, once-a-day dosing,^c helping to simplify parenteral treatment for patients with polymicrobial infections.^6-10

Simplifying treatment of intra-abdominal infections in a once-a-day initial monotherapy may help minimize length of hospital stay, decrease cost of hospitalization, and decrease need for re-operation and second-line therapy.¹¹

Details regarding contradications and special precautions for use can be found in the Prescribing Information.