ertapenem 1g vial of powder for solution for intravenous infusion (Invanz)

following a full submission:

ertapenem for intravenous infusion (Invanz) is accepted for restricted use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of diabetic foot infections of the skin and soft tissue when caused by bacteria known or very likely to be susceptible to ertapenem and where broad spectrum parenteral therapy is appropriate. It is restricted to use by specialists managing diabetic foot infection or on the advice of a microbiologist.

Ertapenem showed non-inferiority to a penicillin/beta-lactamase inhibitor combination in the pivotal trial. Although ertapenem has a greater acquisition cost than some treatment options, its once-daily dosing regimen may allow changes in service delivery that have individual patient or organisational benefits. Efficacy of ertapenem in the treatment of diabetic foot infection with concurrent osteomyelitis has not been established.