Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Aprokam (cefuroxime) 50mg powder for solution for injection

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Cefuroxime sodium may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Cefuroxime sodium
Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

FOR • • •

APROKAM contains an active substance, cefuroxime (as cefuroxime sodium) which belongs to a group of antibiotics called cephalosporins. Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria or germs that cause infections. This medicine will be used if you are undergoing eye surgery because of cataract (cloudiness of the lens). Your ophthalmic surgeon will administer this medicine by injection into the eye at the end of cataract surgery in order to prevent eye infection.

What you need to know before you take it

APROKAM Do not use APROKAM

  • If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to cefuroxime or to any of the cephalosporin type antibiotics. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or, pharmacist or nurse before using Aprokam:
  • if you are allergic to other antibiotics such as penicillin,
  • if you are at risk of an infection due to bacteria called Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus,
  • if you are at risk of a severe risk of infection,
  • if you have been diagnosed a complicated cataract,
  • if a combined eye surgery is planned,
  • if you have severe thyroid disease. Aprokam is only given as an injection into the eye (intracameral injection). Aprokam should be administered in aseptic conditions (meaning clean and germ free) of cataract surgery. One vial of Aprokam must be used for one patient only. 1

Other medicines and Aprokam Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding

  • If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before you are given this medicine.
  • You will only be given Aprokam if the benefits outweigh the potential risks. APROKAM contains sodium This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially 'sodiumfree'. 3. HOW APROKAM IS ADMINISTERED • •

Aprokam injections will be administered by an ophthalmic surgeon at the end of cataract surgery. Aprokam is supplied as a sterile powder and is dissolved in saline solution for injection before it is administered.

If you are given too much, or too little, Aprokam Your medication will usually be given by the health professional. If you think you may have missed a dose or have received too much medicine, please tell your doctor or nurse. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, or pharmacist or nurse.

4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS Like all medicines, Aprokam can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effect is very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people): Serious allergic reaction which causes difficulty in breathing or dizziness. The following side effect is reported with a frequency "Not known" (cannot be estimated from the available data): Macular oedema (blurry or wavy vision near or in the centre of your field of vision). Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, or pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible

Possible side effects

not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme. Web site: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

How to store it

APROKAM Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. 2

Do not use Aprokam after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and vial label after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Store below 25oC. Keep the vial in the outer carton, in order to protect from light. For single use only. After reconstitution: the product should be used immediately. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Aprokam contains The active substance is cefuroxime (as cefuroxime sodium). Each vial contains 50 mg of cefuroxime. After reconstitution, 0.1 ml solution contains 1 mg of cefuroxime. There are no other ingredients. What Aprokam looks like and contents of the pack Aprokam is a white to almost white powder for solution for injection, supplied in a glass vial. Each box contains one or ten or twenty vials, or ten vials together with ten sterile filter needles. Not all pack size may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Marketing Authorisation Holder: LABORATOIRES THEA 12 rue Louis Blériot 63017 CLERMONT-FERRAND Cedex 2 France Manufacturer: BIOPHARMA S.R.L. Via Delle Gerbere, 22/30 (loc. S. PALOMBA) 00134 ROMA (RM) Italy

This leaflet was last approved in 08/2024. If you would like any more information, or would like the leaflet in a different format, please contact Medical Information at THEA Pharmaceuticals Ltd, telephone number 0345 521 1290.

3

The following information is intended for medical or healthcare professionals only: Incompatibilities No incompatibility with most commonly used products in cataract surgery was reported in literature. This medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products except those mentioned below [sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection]. How to prepare and administer Aprokam Single-use vial for intracameral use only. Aprokam must be administered after reconstitution by intraocular injection in the anterior chamber of the eye (intracameral injection), by an ophthalmic surgeon, in the recommended aseptic conditions of cataract surgery. The reconstituted solution should be visually inspected and should only be used if it is a colourless to yellowish solution free from visible particles. The product should be used immediately after reconstitution and not reused. The recommended dose for cefuroxime is 1 mg in 0.1 ml sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection. DO NOT INJECT MORE THAN THE RECOMMENDED DOSE. Vial is for single use only. One vial for one patient only. Stick the flag label of the vial on the patient file.

To prepare Aprokam for intracameral administration, please adhere to the following instructions: 1. Check the integrity of the flip-off cap before withdrawing it.

2. Disinfect the surface of the rubber stopper before step 3.

4

3. Push the sterile needle vertically into the centre of the vial stopper, keeping the vial in an upright position. Aseptically inject into the vial 5 ml of sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection.

4. Shake gently until the solution is free from visible particles.

5. Assemble a sterile needle (18G x 11⁄2", 1.2 mm x 40 mm) with 5-micron filter (acrylic copolymer membrane on a non-woven nylon) onto a 1 ml sterile syringe (the sterile needle with 5micron filter may be provided in the box). Then, push this 1 ml sterile syringe vertically into the centre of the vial stopper, keeping the vial in an upright position.

6. Aseptically withdraw at least 0.1 ml of the solution.

7. Disconnect the needle from the syringe and attach a sterile anterior chamber cannula to the syringe.

8. Carefully expel the air from the syringe and adjust the dose to the 0.1 ml mark on the syringe. The syringe is ready for injection.

After use, discard the remaining of the reconstituted solution. Do not keep it for subsequent use. Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. Discard used needles in a sharps container.

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Frequently asked questions about Aprokam (cefuroxime) 50mg powder for solution for injection

How do I take Aprokam (cefuroxime) 50mg powder for solution for injection?

Aprokam (cefuroxime) 50mg powder for solution for injection comes as injection containing 50mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Aprokam (cefuroxime) 50mg powder for solution for injection?

The active substance in Aprokam (cefuroxime) 50mg powder for solution for injection is cefuroxime sodium.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Aprokam (cefuroxime) 50mg powder for solution for injection, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Aprokam (cefuroxime) 50mg powder for solution for injection without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Cefuroxime sodium (8 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Antibiotic prophylaxis of postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery (see section 5.1).

Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents, including guidance on the antibiotic prophylaxis on eye surgery.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Intracameral use. One vial for single-use only.

Posology

Adults:

The recommended dose is 0.1ml of reconstituted solution (see section 6.6), i.e. 1mg of cefuroxime.

DO NOT INJECT MORE THAN THE RECOMMENDED DOSE (see section 4.9).

Paediatric population:

The optimal dose and the safety of APROKAM have not been established in the paediatric population.

Elderly:

No dose adjustment is necessary.

Patients with hepatic and renal impairment:

Considering the low dose and the expected negligible systemic exposure to cefuroxime using APROKAM, no dose adjustment is necessary.

Method of administration

APROKAM must be administered after reconstitution by intraocular injection in the anterior chamber of the eye (intracameral use), by an ophthalmic surgeon, in the recommended aseptic conditions of cataract surgery. Only sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9 %) solution for injection must be used when reconstituting APROKAM (see section 6.6).

After reconstitution, APROKAM should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration.

Slowly inject 0.1ml of the reconstituted solution into the anterior chamber of the eye at the end of the cataract surgery.

For instructions on reconstitution of the medicinal product before administration, see section 6.6.

4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to cefuroxime or to the cephalosporin group of antibiotics.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Treatment with APROKAM is for intracameral use only.

Special care is indicated in patients who have experienced an allergic reaction to penicillins or any other beta-lactam antibiotics as cross-reactions may occur.

In patients at risk for infections with resistant strains, e.g. those with known previous infection or colonisation with MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), alternative prophylactic antibiotic should be considered.

In the absence of data for special patient groups (patients with severe risk of infection, patients with complicated cataracts, patients having combined operations with cataract surgery, patients with severe thyroid disease, patients with less 2000 corneal endothelial cells), APROKAM should only be used after careful risk/benefit assessment.

The use of cefuroxime should not be regarded as an isolated measure but other circumstances are also of importance like prophylactic antiseptic treatment.

Corneal endothelial toxicity has not been reported at the recommended concentration of cefuroxime; nevertheless, this risk cannot be excluded and in the post-surgical surveillance, physicians should have in mind this potential risk.

This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially “sodium free”.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Since the systemic exposure is expected to be negligible, systemic interactions are unlikely.

No incompatibility with most commonly used products in cataract surgery was reported in literature.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Fertility:

There are no data on the effects of cefuroxime sodium on fertility in humans. Reproductive studies in animals have shown no effects on fertility.

Pregnancy:

There are limited amount of data from the use of cefuroxime in pregnant woman. Animal studies do not show any harmful effects on embryonal and foetal development. Cefuroxime reaches the embryo/foetus via the placenta. No effects during pregnancy are anticipated, since systemic exposure to cefuroxime using APROKAM is negligible. APROKAM can be used during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding:

Cefuroxime is expected to be excreted in human milk in very small quantities. Adverse effects at therapeutic doses are not expected after APROKAM use. Cefuroxime can be used during breastfeeding.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Not relevant.

4.8. Undesirable effects

No particular adverse effects were reported in the literature when cefuroxime is administered as intraocular injection except the following:

Eye disorders

Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data): Macular oedema.

Immune system disorders

Very rare (<1/10,000): Anaphylactic reaction.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme. Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store

4.9. Overdose

The reported cases of overdose are those described in the literature after incorrect dilution and non-authorised use of cefuroxime intended for systemic administration.

Inadvertent high-dose (3-fold the recommended dose) intracameral cefuroxime was administered to 6 patients following an incorrect dilution due to homemade cefuroxime dilution protocol. These injections did not cause any detectable adverse effect in any patient even on ocular tissues.

Toxicity data were available following intracameral injection, during cataract surgery, of 40 to 50-fold the recommended dose of cefuroxime in 6 patients after a dilution error. Initial mean visual acuity was 20/200. Severe anterior segment inflammation was present, and retinal optical coherence tomography showed extensive macular oedema. Six weeks after surgery, mean visual acuity reached 20/25. Macular optical coherence tomography profile returned to normal. A 30% decrease of scotopic electroretinography was, however, observed in all patients.

Administration of incorrectly diluted cefuroxime (10-100mg per eye) to 16 patients resulted in ocular toxicity including corneal oedema resolving in weeks, transient raised intraocular pressure, loss of corneal endothelial cells and changes in the electroretinography. A number of these patients had permanent and severe vision loss.

🇷🇴 Known in Romania as

Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca

  • CEFUROXIMA ATB 1,5g prescriptionCEFUROXIMUM · injection / infusion
  • CEFUROXIMA ATB 750mg prescriptionCEFUROXIMUM · injection / infusion
  • CEFUROXIMA SWISSI 1,5 g prescriptionCEFUROXIMUM · injection / infusion
  • APROKAM 50 mg prescriptionCEFUROXIMUM · injection / infusion
  • AXETINE 750 mg prescriptionCEFUROXIMUM · injection / infusion
  • AXETINE 1,5 g prescriptionCEFUROXIMUM · injection / infusion

Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →

🇵🇱 Known in Poland as

Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako

  • BiofuroksymCefuroximum · injection / infusion
  • ZinacefCefuroximum · injection / infusion
  • Cefuroxim-MIP 750 mgCefuroximum · injection / infusion
  • TarsimeCefuroximum · injection / infusion
  • Cefuroxim-MIP 1500 mgCefuroximum · injection / infusion
  • Cefuroxim KabiCefuroximum · injection / infusion

Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Aprokam (cefuroxime) 50mg powder for solution for injection. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

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