17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions
Advise patients, their families, or caregivers that serious hypersensitivity reactions, including serious allergic cutaneous reactions, could occur with use of ZOSYN that require immediate treatment. Ask them about any previous hypersensitivity reactions to ZOSYN, other beta-lactams (including cephalosporins), or other allergens [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
Prior to initiation of treatment with ZOSYN, inform patients that excessive immune activation may occur with ZOSYN and that they should report signs or symptoms such as fever, rash, or lymphadenopathy to a healthcare provider immediately [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Diarrhea
Advise patients, their families, or caregivers that diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibacterial drugs, including ZOSYN, which usually ends when the drug is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibacterial drugs, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the drug. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
Antibacterial Resistance
Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including ZOSYN should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When ZOSYN is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by ZOSYN or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Patients should be counseled that ZOSYN can cross the placenta in humans and is excreted in human milk [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.2)].