Recarbrio

1

ANNEX I

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

 



2

This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of 
new safety information. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions. 
See section 4.8 for how to report adverse reactions.

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Recarbrio 500 mg/500 mg/250 mg powder for solution for infusion

2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Each vial contains imipenem monohydrate equivalent to 500 mg imipenem, cilastatin sodium 
equivalent to 500 mg cilastatin, and relebactam monohydrate equivalent to 250 mg relebactam.

Excipient(s) with known effect
The total amount of sodium in each vial is 37.5 mg (1.6 mmol).

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Powder for solution for infusion.

A white to light yellow powder.

4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1 Therapeutic indications

Recarbrio is indicated for the treatment of infections due to aerobic Gram-negative organisms in 
adults with limited treatment options (see sections 4.2, 4.4, and 5.1).

Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.

4.2 Posology and method of administration

It is recommended that Recarbrio should be used to treat infections due to aerobic Gram-negative 
organisms in adult patients with limited treatment options only after consultation with a physician with 
appropriate experience in the management of infectious diseases.

Posology

Table 1 shows the recommended intravenous dose for patients with a creatinine clearance
(CrCl) ≥ 90 to < 150 mL/min (see sections 4.4 and 5.1).

 



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Table 1: Recommended intravenous dose for patients with a creatinine clearance
(CrCl) ≥ 90 to <150 mL/min1

Type of infection
Dose of Recarbrio

(imipenem/ cilastatin/ 
relebactam)

Frequency
Infusion 

time
Duration of 

treatment

Infections due to aerobic 
Gram-negative organisms in 
patients with limited 
treatment options

500 mg/500 mg/250 mg
Every 

6 hours
30 mins

Duration in 
accordance with 

the site of 
infection2

1As calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault formula.
2e.g. for complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) including pyelonephritis and complicated intra-abdominal 
infections (cIAI) the recommended treatment duration is 5 to 10 days; treatment may continue up to 14 days. For
hospital-acquired pneumonia/ventilator-associated pneumonia (HAP/VAP) the recommended treatment duration 
is 7 to 14 days.

The dose that is recommended for patients with CrCl ≥ 90 to < 150 mL/min may not be sufficient to 
treat patients with CrCl ≥ 150 mL/min (see section 4.4).

Special populations

Renal impairment
Patients who have a CrCl less than 90 mL/min require dosage reduction of Recarbrio as indicated in 
Table 2. For patients with fluctuating renal function, CrCl should be monitored.

Table 2: Recommended intravenous doses for patients with a CrCl < 90 mL/min

Estimated Creatinine Clearance 
(mL/min)*

Recommended dosage of Recarbrio
(imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam) (mg)†

Less than 90 to greater than or equal to 60 400/400/200

Less than 60 to greater than or equal to 30 300/300/150

Less than 30 to greater than or equal to 15 200/200/100
End stage renal disease (ESRD) on 
haemodialysis‡

200/200/100

*CrCl calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault formula.
†Administer intravenously over 30 minutes every 6 hours.
‡Administration should be timed to follow haemodialysis. Imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam are 
cleared from the circulation during haemodialysis.
Recarbrio is provided as a single vial in a fixed-dose combination; the dose for each component will 
be adjusted equally during preparation (see section 6.6).

Patients with CrCl less than 15 mL/min should not receive Recarbrio unless haemodialysis is instituted 
within 48 hours. There is inadequate information to recommend usage of Recarbrio for patients 
undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

Hepatic impairment
No dose adjustment is required in patients with impaired hepatic function (see section 5.2).

Elderly population
No dose adjustment is required for elderly patients (see section 5.2).

Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam in children and adolescents below 18 years 
of age have not yet been established. No data are available.

 



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Method of administration 

Intravenous use.

Recarbrio is administered by intravenous infusion over 30 minutes.

Recarbrio must be reconstituted (see sections 6.2, 6.3, and 6.6) prior to intravenous infusion. 

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Hypersensitivity to any other carbapenem antibacterial agent.

Severe hypersensitivity (e.g. anaphylactic reaction, severe skin reaction) to any other type of beta-
lactam antibacterial agent (e.g. penicillins, cephalosporins or monobactams) (see section 4.4).

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Hypersensitivity reactions

Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients 
receiving therapy with beta-lactams (see sections 4.3 and 4.8). 

These reactions are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of sensitivity to multiple 
allergens. Before initiating therapy with Recarbrio, careful inquiry should be made concerning
previous hypersensitivity reactions to carbapenems, penicillins, cephalosporins, other beta-lactams,
and other allergens. 

If an allergic reaction to Recarbrio occurs, treatment with Recarbrio must be discontinued
immediately. Serious anaphylactic reactions require immediate emergency treatment.

Hepatic function

Hepatic function should be closely monitored during treatment with Recarbrio due to the risk of 
hepatic toxicity (such as increase in transaminases, hepatic failure, and fulminant hepatitis) (see 
section 4.8).

Use in patients with liver disease: patients with pre-existing liver disorders should have liver function 
monitored during treatment with Recarbrio. There is no dose adjustment necessary (see section 4.2).

Central nervous system (CNS)

CNS adverse reactions, such as seizures, confusional states, and myoclonic activity have been reported 
during treatment with imipenem/cilastatin, components of Recarbrio, especially when recommended 
dosages of imipenem were exceeded. These reactions have been reported most commonly in patients 
with CNS disorders (e.g., brain lesions or history of seizures) and/or compromised renal function.

Increased seizure potential due to interaction with valproic acid

The concomitant use of Recarbrio and valproic acid/divalproex sodium is not recommended. 
Antibacterials other than carbapenems should be considered to treat infections in patients whose 
seizures are well-controlled on valproic acid or divalproex sodium. If administration of Recarbrio is 
necessary, supplemental anti-convulsant therapy should be considered (see section 4.5).

 



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Clostridioides difficile-Associated Diarrhoea (CDAD)

Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD) has been reported with Recarbrio. CDAD may 
range in severity from mild diarrhoea to fatal colitis. CDAD must be considered in all patients who 
present with diarrhoea during or following the administration of Recarbrio (see section 4.8). Careful 
medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the 
administration of antibacterial agents.

If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, discontinuation of therapy with Recarbrio, and the administration 
of specific treatment for C. difficile should be considered. Medicinal products that inhibit peristalsis 
should not be given.

Patients with CrCl ≥ 150 mL/min

Based on pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic analyses, the dose of Recarbrio that is recommended for 
patients with CrCl from 90 to < 150 mL/min may not be sufficient to treat patients with CrCl
≥ 150 mL/min. Consideration should be given to using alternative therapies for these patients.

Renal impairment

Dose adjustment is recommended in patients with renal impairment (see section 4.2). There is 
inadequate information to recommend usage of Recarbrio for patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

Neutropenic patients and patients with very severe infections

The recommended doses of Recarbrio may not be optimal to treat i) patients with neutropenia or ii) 
patients with very severe infections. Consideration should be given to using alternative therapies for 
these patients.

Limitations of the clinical data

Patients with limited treatment options
The use of Recarbrio to treat patients with infections due to aerobic Gram-negative organisms who 
have limited treatment options is based on experience with imipenem/cilastatin, pharmacokinetic-
pharmacodynamic analysis for imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam, and on limited data from a randomised
clinical study in which 21 evaluable patients were treated with Recarbrio and 10 evaluable patients 
were treated with colistin and imipenem/cilastatin for infections caused by imipenem-non-susceptible 
organisms.

Limitations of the spectrum of antibacterial activity

Imipenem does not have activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and 
Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) or against Enterococcus faecium. Alternative or additional 
antibacterial agents should be used when these pathogens are known or suspected to be contributing to 
the infectious process.

The inhibitory spectrum of relebactam includes class A beta-lactamases (such as ESBLs and KPC) and 
Class C beta-lactamases including PDC. Relebactam does not inhibit class D carbapenemases such as 
OXA-48 or class B metallo-beta-lactamases such as NDM and VIM (see section 5.1).

Non-susceptible organisms

The use of imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam may result in the overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, 
which may require interruption of treatment or other appropriate measures.

Antiglobulin test (Coombs test) seroconversion

 



6

A positive direct or indirect Coombs test may develop during treatment with
imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam (see section 4.8).

Controlled sodium diet

Each vial contains a total of 37.5 mg of sodium (1.6 mmol), equivalent to 1.9 % of the WHO (World 
Health Organization) recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult. This should be 
considered when administering Recarbrio to patients who are on a controlled sodium diet.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Ganciclovir

Generalised seizures have been reported in patients who received ganciclovir concomitantly with 
imipenem/cilastatin, components of Recarbrio. Ganciclovir should not be used concomitantly with 
Recarbrio unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Valproic acid

Case reports in the literature have shown that co-administration of carbapenems, including 
imipenem/cilastatin (components of Recarbrio), to patients receiving valproic acid or divalproex 
sodium results in a reduction in valproic acid concentrations. The valproic acid concentrations may 
drop below the therapeutic range as a result of this interaction, therefore increasing the risk of 
breakthrough seizures. Although the mechanism of this interaction is unknown, data from in vitro and 
animal studies suggest that carbapenems may inhibit the hydrolysis of valproic acid's glucuronide 
metabolite (VPA-g) back to valproic acid, thus decreasing the serum concentrations of valproic acid. 
The concomitant use of Recarbrio and valproic acid/divalproex sodium is not recommended (see 
section 4.4).

Oral anti-coagulants

Simultaneous administration of antibacterial agents with warfarin may augment its anticoagulant 
effects. It is recommended that the INR should be monitored as appropriate during and shortly after 
co-administration of antibiotics with oral anti-coagulant medicinal products.

Clinical drug interaction studies

A clinical drug-drug interaction study demonstrated that imipenem and relebactam exposures do not 
increase by a clinically significant extent when Recarbrio is co-administered with the prototypical 
OAT-inhibitor probenecid, indicating a lack of clinically meaningful OAT-mediated drug-drug 
interactions. Concomitant administration of imipenem/cilastatin and probenecid increased the plasma 
level and half-life of cilastatin, though not to a clinically meaningful extent. Therefore, Recarbrio may 
be administered concomitantly with OAT inhibitors.

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies for the use of imipenem, cilastatin, or relebactam in 
pregnant women. 
Animal studies with imipenem/cilastatin have shown reproductive toxicity in monkeys (see 
section 5.3). The potential risk for humans is unknown. Animal studies with relebactam do not 
indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).

Recarbrio should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to 
the foetus.

 



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Breastfeeding

Imipenem and cilastatin are excreted into the mother’s milk in small quantities.

It is unknown whether relebactam is excreted in human milk. Available data in animals have shown 
excretion of relebactam in the milk of rats (for details see section 5.3).

A risk to breastfed newborns/infants cannot be excluded. A decision must be made whether to
discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue Recarbrio therapy taking into account the benefit of
breastfeeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.

Fertility

There are no human data available regarding potential effects of imipenem/cilastatin or relebactam 
treatment on male or female fertility. Animal studies do not indicate harmful effects of 
imipenem/cilastatin or relebactam on fertility (see section 5.3).

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Recarbrio has moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines. CNS adverse reactions, 
such as seizures, confusional states, and myoclonic activity, have been reported during treatment with 
imipenem/cilastatin, components of Recarbrio, especially when recommended dosages of imipenem 
were exceeded (see section 4.4). Therefore, caution should be exercised when driving or using 
machines.

4.8 Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

The most frequently occurring adverse reaction in > 2 % of patients in clinical trials with
imipenem/cilastatin plus relebactam was: diarrhoea.

Tabulated summary of adverse reactions

The following adverse reactions have been reported during the Phase 2 (imipenem/cilastatin plus
relebactam including 431 subjects) clinical trials and with imipenem/cilastatin in clinical studies or 
during post-marketing experience with imipenem/cilastatin (see Table 3).

Adverse reactions are classified according to MedDRA System Organ Class and frequency. Frequency 
categories are derived according to the following conventions: Very common (≥ 1/10), Common 
(≥ 1/100 to < 1/10), Uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100), Rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000), Very rare 
(< 1/10,000) and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Table 3: Frequency of adverse reactions by system organ class

System Organ 
Class

Common Uncommon Rare Very rare Unknown

Infections and 
infestations

Pseudomembranous 
colitis*

Candidiasis*

Gastro-
enteritis*

 



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Blood and 
lymphatic 
system 
disorders

Eosinophilia*

Pancytopenia*

Neutropenia*

Leukopenia*

Thrombocytopenia*

Thrombocytosis*

Agranulocytosis*

Haemolytic
anaemia*

Bone 
marrow 
depression*

Immune 
system 
disorders

Anaphylactic
reactions*

Nervous 
system 
disorders

Seizures*

Hallucinations*

Confusional states*

Myoclonic activity*

Dizziness*

Somnolence*

Encephalopathy*

Paraesthesia*

Focal tremor*

Taste perversion*

Aggravatio
n of 
myasthenia 
gravis*

Headache*

Agitation*

Dyskinesia
*

Ear and 
labyrinth 
disorders

Hearing loss*
Vertigo*

Tinnitus*

Cardiac 
disorders

Cyanosis*

Tachycardi
a*

Palpitations
*

Vascular 
disorders

Thrombophlebiti
s*

Hypotension* Flushing*

Respiratory, 
thoracic and 
mediastinal 
disorders

Dyspnoea*

Hyper-
ventilation*

Pharyngeal 
pain*

Gastrointestinal 
disorders

Diarrhoea†*

Nausea†*

Vomiting†*

Staining of teeth 
and/or tongue*

Haemorrha
gic colitis*

Abdominal 
pain*

Heartburn*

Glossitis*

Tongue 
papilla 
hypertroph
y*

Increased 
salivation*

 



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Hepatobiliary 
disorders

Alanine 
aminotransferase 
increased†*

Aspartate 
aminotransferase 
increased†*

Hepatic failure*

Hepatitis*

Fulminant 
hepatitis*

Jaundice*

Skin and 
subcutaneous 
tissue disorders

Rash (e.g. 
exanthematous)*

Urticaria*

Pruritus*

Toxic epidermal 
necrolysis*

Angioedema*

Stevens-Johnson 
syndrome*

Erythema 
multiforme*

Exfoliative 
dermatitis*

Hyperhidro
sis*

Skin 
texture 
changes*

Musculoskeleta
l and 
connective 
tissue disorders

Polyarthral
gia*

Thoracic 
spine pain*

Renal and 
urinary
disorders

Creatinine renal 
clearance 
decreased†

Elevations in serum 
creatinine*

Acute renal failure* 

Oliguria/anuria*

Polyuria* 

Urine discoloration 
(harmless and 
should not be 
confused with 
haematuria)*

Reproductive 
system and 
breast disorders

Pruritus 
vulvae*

General 
disorders and 
administration 
site conditions

Fever*

Local pain and 
induration at the 
injection site*

Chest 
discomfort
*

Asthenia/
weakness*

Investigations
Increases in 
serum alkaline 
phosphatase*

Coombs test 
positive*

Prolonged 
prothrombin time*

Decreased 
haemoglobin*

Increases in serum 
bilirubin*

Elevations in blood 
urea nitrogen*

Blood 
lactate 
dehydroge
nase 
increased*

 



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*reported with imipenem/cilastatin in clinical studies or during post-marketing experience with 
imipenem/cilastatin
†reported with imipenem/cilastatin plus relebactam in Phase 2 studies (N = 431)

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 national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V.

4.9 Overdose

In the event of overdose, discontinue Recarbrio, treat based on symptoms, and institute general 
supportive treatment. Imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam can be removed by haemodialysis. No 
clinical information is available on the use of haemodialysis to treat overdosage.

5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antibacterials for systemic use, carbapenems, ATC code: J01DH56

Mechanism of action

The bactericidal activity of imipenem results from the inhibition of penicillin binding proteins (PBPs) 
leading to inhibition of peptidoglycan cell wall synthesis.

Cilastatin limits the renal metabolism of imipenem and does not have antibacterial activity.

Relebactam is a non-beta lactam inhibitor of Ambler class A and class C beta-lactamases, including 
class A Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases 
(ESBLs), and class C (AmpC-type) beta-lactamases including Pseudomonas-Derived 
Cephalosporinase (PDC). Relebactam does not inhibit class B enzymes (metallo-beta-lactamases) or 
class D carbapenemases. Relebactam has no antibacterial activity.

Resistance

Mechanisms of resistance in Gram-negative bacteria that are known to affect imipenem/relebactam
include the production of metallo-beta-lactamases or oxacillinases with carbapenemase activity.

Expression of certain alleles of the class A beta-lactamase Guiana extended-spectrum beta-lactamase 
(GES) and overexpression of PDC coupled with loss of imipenem entry porin OprD may confer 
resistance to imipenem/relebactam in P. aeruginosa. The expression of efflux pumps in P. aeruginosa
does not affect activity of either imipenem or relebactam. Mechanisms of bacterial resistance that 
could decrease the antibacterial activity of imipenem/relebactam in Enterobacterales include porin 
mutations affecting outer membrane permeability.

Antibacterial activity in combination with other antibacterial agents

In vitro studies have demonstrated no antagonism between imipenem/relebactam and amikacin, 
azithromycin, aztreonam, colistin, gentamicin, levofloxacin, linezolid, tigecycline, tobramycin, or 
vancomycin.

 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


11

Susceptibility testing breakpoints

Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) breakpoints established by the European Committee on 
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) are as follows:

Organism group

Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations

(mg/L)

Susceptible ≤ Resistant >

Enterobacterales (except 

Morganellaceae)
2 2

Pseudomonas aeruginosa 2 2

Acinetobacter spp. 2 2

Viridans group streptococci 2 2

Anaerobes, Gram-positive 2 2

Anaerobes, Gram-negative 2 2

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship

Time that unbound plasma concentrations of imipenem exceed the imipenem/relebactam minimum 
inhibitory concentration (% fT > MIC) has been shown to best correlate with efficacy. The ratio of the
24 - hour unbound plasma relebactam AUC to imipenem/relebactam MIC (fAUC / MIC) has been 
determined to be the index that best predicts activity of relebactam.

Clinical efficacy against specific pathogens

In vitro studies suggest that the following pathogens would be susceptible to imipenem, cilastatin, and 
relebactam in the absence of acquired mechanisms of resistance:

Gram-negative aerobic micro-organisms
 Acinetobacter baumannii
 Citrobacter spp. (including C. freundii and C. koseri)
 Enterobacter spp. (including E. asburiae and E. cloacae)
 Escherichia coli
 Klebsiella spp. (including K. aerogenes, K. oxytoca and K. pneumoniae)
 Pseudomonas aeruginosa
 Serratia marcescens

Gram-negative anaerobic micro-organisms
 Bacteroides spp. (including B. fragilis)
 Fusobacterium spp. (including F. nucleatum and F. necrophorum)
 Prevotella spp. (including P. melaninogenica, P. bivia, and P. buccae)

Gram-positive aerobic micro-organisms
 Enterococcus faecalis
 Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin susceptible isolates only)
 Viridans group streptococci (including S. anginosus and S. constellatus)

In vitro studies indicate that the following species are not susceptible to imipenem, cilastatin, and 
relebactam:

Gram-negative aerobic micro-organisms
 Legionella spp.
 Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Paediatric population

 



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The European Medicines Agency has deferred the obligation to submit the results of studies with 
Recarbrio in one or more subsets of the paediatric population in the treatment of Gram-negative 
bacterial infections (see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use).

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

General introduction

The steady-state pharmacokinetic parameters of imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam in healthy adults 
and patients with active bacterial infection with normal renal function after multiple 30 minute 
intravenous infusions of 500 mg imipenem/500 mg cilastatin + 250 mg relebactam administered every
6 hours are summarised in Table 4 and Table 5. Pharmacokinetic parameters were similar for 
single- and multiple-dose administration due to minimal accumulation.

The C max and AUC of imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam increase in proportion to dose. The 
elimination half-lives (t ½) of imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam are independent of dose.

Table 4: Steady-state geometric mean (% geometric co-efficient of variation) plasma 
pharmacokinetic parameters of imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam after multiple intravenous 
30 minute infusions of 500 mg imipenem/500 mg cilastatin + 250 mg relebactam every 6 hours in 
healthy adults

Imipenem (n=6) Cilastatin (n=6) Relebactam (n=6)

AUC 0 – 6 hr (μM-hr) 138.0 (17.8) 98.0 (17.0) 81.6 (17.8)
C max (μM) 106.0 (26.8) 96.4 (21.8) 48.3 (24.9)
CL (L/hr) 12.0 (17.8) 14.2 (17.0) 8.8 (17.8)

t 1/2 (hr)* 1.1 (±0.1) 1.0 (±0.1) 1.7 (±0.2)

*Arithmetic mean (standard deviation) reported for t 1/2
AUC 0 – 6 hr = area under the concentration time curve from 0 to 6 hours; C max = maximum 
concentration; CL = plasma clearance; t 1/2= elimination half-life

Table 5: Population pharmacokinetic model based steady-state geometric mean (% geometric 
co-efficient of variation) plasma pharmacokinetic parameters of imipenem and relebactam after 
multiple intravenous 30 minute infusions of Recarbrio (500 mg imipenem/500 mg 
cilastatin/250 mg relebactam) every 6 hours in patients

Imipenem Relebactam

AUC 0 – 24 hr (µM-hr) 500.0 (56.3) 390.5 (44.5)

C max (µM) 88.9 (62.1) 58.5 (44.9)

CL (L/hr) 13.4 (56.3) 7.4 (44.5)

t 1/2 (hr)* 1.0 (±0.5) 1.2 (±0.7)

*Arithmetic mean (standard deviation) reported for t 1/2
AUC 0 – 24 hr = area under the concentration time curve from 0 to 24 hours; C max = maximum 
concentration; CL = plasma clearance; t 1/2 = elimination half-life

Distribution

The binding of imipenem and cilastatin to human plasma proteins is approximately 20 % and 40 %, 
respectively. The binding of relebactam to human plasma proteins is approximately 22 % and is
independent of concentration.

The steady-state volume of distribution of imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam is 24.3 L, 13.8 L, and 
19.0 L, respectively, in subjects following multiple doses infused over 30 minutes every 6 hours.

The penetration into pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (ELF) expressed as the total ELF-to-unbound 
plasma exposure ratio was 55 % and 54 % for imipenem and relebactam, respectively.

 



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Biotransformation

Imipenem, when administered alone, is metabolised in the kidneys by dehydropeptidase-I, resulting in 
low levels of imipenem (average of 15-20 % of the dose) recovered in human urine. Cilastatin, an 
inhibitor of this enzyme, effectively prevents renal metabolism so that when imipenem and cilastatin 
are given concomitantly, adequate levels of imipenem (approximately 70 % of the dose) are achieved 
in the urine to enable antibacterial activity.

Cilastatin is mainly eliminated in the urine as unchanged parent drug (approximately 70 - 80 % of the
dose), with 10 % of the dose recovered as an N-acetyl metabolite, which has inhibitory activity against 
dehydropeptidase-I comparable to the parent medicinal product.

Relebactam is cleared primarily via renal excretion as unchanged parent drug (greater than 90 % of the 
dose) and is minimally metabolised. Unchanged relebactam was the only drug-related component 
detected in human plasma.

Elimination

Imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam are mainly excreted by the kidneys.

Following multiple-dose administration of 500 mg imipenem, 500 mg cilastatin, and 250 mg 
relebactam to healthy male subjects, approximately 63 % of the administered imipenem dose, and
77 % of the administered cilastatin dose are recovered as unchanged parent in the urine. The renal 
excretion of imipenem and cilastatin involves both glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion. 
Greater than 90 % of the administered relebactam dose was excreted unchanged in human urine. The 
mean renal clearance for relebactam is 135 mL/min, close to the plasma clearance (148 mL/min), 
indicating nearly complete elimination of relebactam by the renal route. The unbound renal clearance 
of relebactam is greater than the glomerular filtration rate, suggesting that in addition to glomerular 
filtration, active tubular secretion is involved in the renal elimination, accounting for ~ 30 % of the 
total clearance.

Linearity/non-linearity

The pharmacokinetics of relebactam are linear across the 25 mg to 1150 mg dose range studied for a 
single intravenous administration, and 50 mg to 625 mg dose range studied for multiple intravenous 
administration every 6 hours up to 7 days. Minimal accumulation of imipenem, cilastatin or 
relebactam was observed following multiple 30 minute intravenous infusions of relebactam (50 to 
625 mg) co-administered with 500 mg imipenem/500 mg cilastatin every 6 hours up to 7 days in 
healthy adult males with normal renal function.

Drug metabolizing enzymes

Studies evaluating the potential for imipenem or cilastatin to interact with CYP450 enzymes have not 
been conducted.

Relebactam at clinically relevant concentrations does not inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, 
CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, or CYP3A4 in vitro in human liver microsomes. Relebactam showed 
no potential for in vitro induction of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4 in human hepatocytes. Thus, 
relebactam is unlikely to cause clinical drug-drug interactions via CYP-mediated pathways.

Imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam are all cleared primarily via renal excretion unchanged, with 
metabolism as a minor elimination route. Thus, Recarbrio is unlikely to be subject to drug-drug 
interactions when co-administered with CYP inhibitors or inducers.

Membrane transporters

 



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Relebactam does not inhibit the following hepatic and renal transporters in vitro at clinically relevant 
concentrations: OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OAT1, OAT3, OCT2, P-gp, BCRP, MATE1, MATE2K, or
BSEP.

Relebactam is actively secreted into the urine. It is not a substrate of OAT1, OCT2, P-gp, BCRP, 
MRP2, or MRP4 transporters, but is a substrate of OAT3, OAT4, MATE1 and MATE2K transporters. 
The active tubular secretion accounts for only approximately 30 % of the total clearance of 
relebactam, thus, the extent of drug-drug interaction due to inhibition of the tubular transporters is 
expected to be of minimal clinical significance, which was confirmed with a clinical drug-drug 
interaction study with probenecid and Recarbrio (see section 4.5).

Special populations

Renal impairment

In a clinical pharmacokinetic study and population pharmacokinetic analysis, clinically relevant 
differences in exposure (AUC) were observed for imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam based on the 
extent of renal impairment.

In the clinical study, imipenem geometric mean AUCs were up to 1.4 - fold, 1.5 - fold, and 2.5 - fold 
higher in subjects with mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment, respectively, compared to 
healthy subjects with normal renal function. The respective cilastatin geometric mean AUCs were up 
to 1.6 - fold, 1.9 - fold, and 5.6 - fold higher. Relebactam geometric mean AUCs were up to 1.6 - fold, 
2.2 - fold, and 4.9 - fold higher in subjects with mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment, 
respectively, compared to healthy subjects with normal renal function. In subjects with End Stage 
Renal Disease (ESRD) on haemodialysis, imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam are efficiently removed 
by haemodialysis.

To maintain systemic exposures similar to patients with normal renal function, dose adjustment is 
recommended for patients with renal impairment. ESRD patients on haemodialysis should receive 
Recarbrio after haemodialysis session (see section 4.2).

Hepatic impairment

Imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam are primarily cleared renally; therefore, hepatic impairment is not 
likely to have any effect on Recarbrio exposures (see section 4.2).

Elderly/gender

In a geriatric/gender study and population pharmacokinetic analysis no clinically relevant differences 
in exposure (AUC) were observed for imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam based on age or gender, 
apart from the effect of renal function (see section 4.2).

Race

Only a limited number of non-white patients were included in the clinical studies, but no major effect 
of race on imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam pharmacokinetics is expected.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

Imipenem/cilastatin

Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety 
pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, and genotoxicity studies.
Animal studies showed that the toxicity produced by imipenem, as a single entity, was limited to the 
kidney. Co-administration of cilastatin with imipenem in a 1:1 ratio prevented the nephrotoxic effects 

 



15

of imipenem in rabbits and monkeys. Available evidence suggests that cilastatin prevents the 
nephrotoxicity by preventing entry of imipenem into the tubular cells. 

A teratology study in pregnant cynomolgus monkeys given imipenem/cilastatin sodium at doses of 
40/40 mg/kg/day (bolus intravenous injection) resulted in maternal toxicity including emesis, 
inappetence, body weight loss, diarrhoea, abortion, and death in some cases. When doses of 
imipenem/cilastatin sodium (approximately 100/100 mg/kg/day or approximately 3 times the 
recommended daily human intravenous dose) were administered to pregnant cynomolgus monkeys at 
an intravenous infusion rate which mimics human clinical use, there was minimal maternal intolerance 
(occasional emesis), no maternal deaths, no evidence of teratogenicity, but an increase in embryonic 
loss relative to control groups (see section 4.6).

Long term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential of 
imipenem/cilastatin.

Relebactam

Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety 
pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, reproduction toxicity, or genotoxicity. Carcinogenicity studies 
have not been conducted with relebactam.

Relebactam administered intravenously to lactating rats at a dose of 450 mg/kg/day (GD 6 to LD 14), 
was excreted into the milk with concentration of approximately 5 % that of maternal plasma 
concentrations.

Animal studies show that relebactam given as a single entity caused renal tubular degeneration in 
monkeys at AUC exposure 7-fold the human AUC exposure at the maximum recommended human 
dose (MRHD). Renal tubular degeneration was shown to be reversible after dose discontinuation.
There was no evidence of nephrotoxicity at AUC exposures less than or equal to 3-fold the human 
AUC exposure at the MRHD.

6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 List of excipients

Sodium hydrogen carbonate

6.2 Incompatibilities

This medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products except those mentioned in 
section 6.6.

6.3 Shelf life

Dry powder

30 months.

After constitution and dilution

Diluted solutions should be used immediately. The time interval between the beginning of 
reconstitution and the end of intravenous infusion should not exceed two hours.

6.4 Special precautions for storage

This medicinal product does not require any special temperature storage conditions. 

 



16

Keep vials in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

For storage conditions after constitution and dilution of the medicinal product, see section 6.3.

6.5 Nature and contents of container

20 mL glass vial, with 20 mm rubber stopper and aluminium crimp cap seal.

This medicinal product is supplied in packs of 25 vials.

6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling

Recarbrio is supplied as a dry powder in a single-dose vial that must be constituted and further diluted
using aseptic technique prior to intravenous infusion as outlined below.

 To prepare the infusion solution, contents of the vial must be transferred to 100 mL of an 
appropriate infusion solution (see sections 6.2 and 6.3): 9 mg/mL (0.9 %) sodium chloride. In 
exceptional circumstances where 9 mg/mL (0.9 %) sodium chloride cannot be used for clinical 
reasons 5 % glucose may be used instead.

 Withdraw 20 mL (10 mL times 2) of diluent from the appropriate infusion bag and constitute 
the vial with 10 mL of the diluent. The constituted suspension must not be administered by 
direct intravenous infusion.

 After constitution, shake vial well and transfer resulting suspension into the remaining 80 mL 
of the infusion bag.

 Add the additional 10 mL of infusion diluent to the vial and shake well to ensure complete 
transfer of vial contents; repeat transfer of the resulting suspension to the infusion solution 
before administering. Agitate the resulting mixture until clear.

 Constituted solutions of Recarbrio range from colorless to yellow. Variations of color within 
this range do not affect the potency of the product.

 For patients with renal insufficiency, a reduced dose of Recarbrio will be administered 
according to the patient's CrCl, as determined from Table 6. Prepare 100 mL of infusion 
solution as directed above. Select the volume (mL) of the final infusion solution needed for 
the appropriate dose of Recarbrio as shown in Table 6.

Parenteral medicinal products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration 
prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Discard if discoloration or visible 
particles are observed.

Table 6: Preparation of Recarbrio doses

Creatinine 
Clearance
(mL/min)

Dosage of Recarbrio
(imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam)

(mg)

Volume (mL) of Solution 
to be Removed and 

Discarded from 
Preparation

Volume (mL) of 
Final Infusion 

Solution Needed for 
Dosage

Greater than 
or equal to 90

500/500/250 N/A 100

Less than 90 
to greater than 
or equal to 60

400/400/200 20 80

Less than 60 
to greater than 
or equal to 30

300/300/150 40 60

Less than 30 
to greater than 
or equal to 15
or ESRD on 
haemodialysis

200/200/100 60 40

 



17

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 
requirements.

Compatible medicinal products

The physical compatibility of Recarbrio with selected injectable medicinal products was evaluated in 
two commonly available diluents at a Y-infusion site. Compatible medicinal products with the 
corresponding compatible diluent (i.e., 5 % Dextrose Injection and 0.9 % Sodium chloride Injection) 
are listed below. Recarbrio should not be co-administered through the same intravenous line (or 
cannula), with other medicinal products not listed below, as no compatibility data are available. Refer 
to the respective prescribing information of the co-administered medicinal product(s) to confirm 
compatibility of simultaneous co-administration. This medicinal product must not be mixed with other 
medicinal products except those mentioned below.

List of Compatible Injectable Medicinal Products for use with 5 % Dextrose or 0.9 % Sodium chloride 
Injection as Diluents

 dexmedetomidine
 dopamine
 epinephrine
 fentanyl
 heparin
 midazolam
 norepinephrine
 phenylephrine

Compatible intravenous bags and infusion set materials

Recarbrio is compatible with the following intravenous container bags and infusion set materials. Any 
intravenous bags or infusion set materials not listed below should not be used.

Intravenous Container Bag Materials
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyolefin (polypropylene and polyethylene)

Intravenous Infusion Set Materials (with tubing)
PVC + Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and polyethylene (PE)-lined PVC

Incompatible medicinal products

Recarbrio for solution for infusion is physically incompatible with propofol in 5 % Dextrose (also 
named Glucose) or 0.9 % Sodium chloride.

7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.
Waarderweg 39
2031 BN Haarlem
The Netherlands

8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

EU/1/19/1420/001

9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION

 



18

10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines 
Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu.

 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/


19

ANNEX II

A. MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY 
AND USE

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE 
MARKETING AUTHORISATION

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO 
THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL 
PRODUCT

 



20

A. MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE

Name and address of the manufacturer(s) responsible for batch release

Laboratoires Merck Sharp & Dohme Chibret 
Route de Marsat
Riom
F-63963 Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 9
France

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE

Medicinal product subject to restricted medical prescription (see Annex I: Summary of Product 
Characteristics, section 4.2).

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 
AUTHORISATION

 Periodic Safety Update Reports (PSURs)

The requirements for submission of PSURs for this medicinal product are set out in the list of 
Union reference dates (EURD list) provided for under Article 107c(7) of Directive 2001/83/EC
and any subsequent updates published on the European medicines web-portal.

The marketing authorisation holder (MAH) shall submit the first PSUR for this product within 
6 months following authorisation.

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 
EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

 Risk management plan (RMP)

The marketing authorisation holder (MAH) shall perform the required pharmacovigilance 
activities and interventions detailed in the agreed RMP presented in Module 1.8.2 of the 
marketing authorisation and any agreed subsequent updates of the RMP.

An updated RMP should be submitted:
 At the request of the European Medicines Agency;
 Whenever the risk management system is modified, especially as the result of new information 

being received that may lead to a significant change to the benefit/risk profile or as the result of 
an important (pharmacovigilance or risk minimisation) milestone being reached.

 



21

ANNEX III

LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET

 



22

A. LABELLING

 



23

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING

Outer carton

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Recarbrio 500 mg/500 mg/250 mg powder for solution for infusion
imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S)

Each vial contains imipenem monohydrate equivalent to 500 mg of imipenem, cilastatin sodium
equivalent to 500 mg of cilastatin and relebactam monohydrate equivalent to 250 mg of relebactam.

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS

Contains sodium hydrogen carbonate.
See package leaflet for further information.

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS

Powder for solution for infusion
25 vials

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Read the package leaflet before use.
Intravenous use after dilution.

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 
OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY

8. EXPIRY DATE

EXP
Read the leaflet for the shelf life of the reconstituted product

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS

Keep vials in the outer carton in order to protect from light. 

 



24

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 
OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.
Waarderweg 39
2031 BN Haarlem
The Netherlands

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

EU/1/19/1420/001

13. BATCH NUMBER

Lot

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE

Justification for not including Braille accepted.

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE

2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included.

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA

PC
SN
NN

 



25

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS

Vial label

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Recarbrio 500 mg/500 mg/250 mg powder for solution for infusion
imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam
IV use after dilution
Intravenous use after dilution

2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION

3. EXPIRY DATE

EXP

4. BATCH NUMBER

Lot

5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT

6. OTHER

MSD 

 



26

B. PACKAGE LEAFLET

 



27

Package leaflet: Information for the user

Recarbrio 500 mg/500 mg/250 mg powder for solution for infusion
Imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam

This medicine is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new 
safety information. You can help by reporting any side effects you may get. See the end of section 4 
for how to report side effects.

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you are given this medicine because it contains important 
information for you.
 Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. 
 If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or nurse.
 If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or nurse. This includes any possible side effects 

not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

What is in this leaflet
1. What Recarbrio is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you are given Recarbrio
3. How you are given Recarbrio
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Recarbrio
6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What Recarbrio is and what it is used for

Recarbrio is an antibiotic. It contains the active substances imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam.

Recarbrio is used to kill a wide range of bacteria that cause infections. It is used when there are few or 
no other treatments available.

Recarbrio is used in patients 18 years or older.

2. What you need to know before you are given Recarbrio

You should not be given Recarbrio if:
 you are allergic to imipenem, cilastatin, relebactam or any of the other ingredients of this medicine 

(listed in section 6)
 you are allergic to carbapenem antibiotics 
 you ever had a severe allergic reaction to penicillin antibiotics or cephalosporin antibiotics
You should not be given Recarbrio if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your 
doctor or nurse before being given Recarbrio.

Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or nurse before being given Recarbrio if:
 you are allergic to any medicines - especially antibiotics
 you have ever had convulsions (seizures or fits)
 you have ever had confusion or muscle twitches with a medicine
 you are taking a medicine containing valproic acid
 you have had diarrhoea while taking antibiotics in the past
 you have kidney problems – your doctor may lower your dose

Tell your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction, convulsions (seizures or fits), diarrhoea, 
or develop kidney problems while receiving Recarbrio (see section 3).

 



28

Children and adolescents
Recarbrio should not be used in children or adolescents who are under 18 years of age. This is because
it is not known if the medicine is safe to use in these patients.

Other medicines and Recarbrio
Tell your doctor or nurse if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, especially if you take:
 medicines that contain ganciclovir, used for treating some viral infections
 medicines that contain valproic acid or divalproex sodium, usually used for treating epilepsy, 

bipolar disorder, or migraine
 medicines to control blood clotting, such as warfarin

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask
your doctor for advice before being given this medicine.

Driving and using machines
Recarbrio may make you feel dizzy, shaky, or cause convulsions or seizures. This may affect your 
ability to drive or use machines.

Recarbrio contains sodium
This medicine contains approximately 37.5 mg of sodium (main component of cooking/ table salt) in 
each vial. This is equivalent to about 2 % of the adult recommended maximum amount of sodium you 
should take daily, and needs to be taken into account if you are on a low-salt diet.

3. How you are given Recarbrio

The usual dose is one vial (containing 500 mg imipenem, 500 mg cilastatin, and 250 mg relebactam) 
every 6 hours. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may lower your dose.

It is given as a drip directly into a vein (‘intravenous infusion’). The infusion will last 30 minutes.

The course of treatment usually lasts from 5 up to 14 days, depending on the type of infection you 
have and how you respond to treatment.

If you are given more Recarbrio than you should
Recarbrio will be given to you by a doctor or a nurse, so it is unlikely you will be given the wrong 
dose. If you think you have been given too much Recarbrio, tell your doctor or nurse right away.

If you miss a dose of Recarbrio
Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you think you were not given your dose of Recarbrio.

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or nurse.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Serious side effects
Tell your doctor right away if you notice any of the following serious side effects - the medicine must 
be stopped:
 allergic reactions – the signs may include hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, 

difficulty in breathing or swallowing

 



29

 severe skin reactions (e.g., severe rash, skin peeling or blistering)

Other side effects
Common: (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
 nausea, being sick (vomiting), diarrhoea
 blood test results that may show changes in the liver
 blood test results that may show an increase in the number of some types of blood cells called 

‘eosinophils’
 blood test results that may show an increase in some white blood cells
 rash
 inflammation and pain caused by a blood clot in the vein

Uncommon: (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
 hives
 skin itchiness
 convulsions (fits) and nervous system problems like tremor
 confusion
 seeing, hearing or feeling something that is not there (hallucinations)
 dizziness, sleepiness
 low blood pressure
 blood test results that may show changes in the kidney
 blood test results that may show a decrease in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and

blood cells called platelets
 blood test results that may show an increase in the number of some blood cells called platelets
 abnormal kidney, liver, and blood function detected by blood tests
 pain or redness or formation of a lump where the medicine was injected
 fever
 blood test (called a Coombs test) results showing antibodies that can cause anaemia by destroying

red blood cells

Rare: (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
 fungal infection (candidiasis)
 changes in taste
 disease of the brain, tingling sensation (pins and needles), localised tremor
 hearing loss
 staining of the teeth and/or tongue
 inflammation of the colon with severe diarrhoea (colitis)
 low number of white blood cells which may make it difficult for your body to fight infections
 inflammation of the liver
 liver failure
 inability of the kidney to perform normal function
 changes in the amount of urine, changes in urine color
 swelling of the skin
 painful rash with flu-like symptoms
 redness and scaling of the skin

Very rare: (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)
 inflammation of stomach or intestine (gastro-enteritis)
 anaemia due to destruction of red blood cells, leading to symptoms like tiredness, pale skin
 headache
 worsening of a rare disease associated with muscle weakness (aggravation of myasthenia gravis)
 a spinning sensation (vertigo)
 ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
 irregular heartbeat, the heart beating forcefully or rapidly

 



30

 chest discomfort, difficulty breathing, abnormally fast and superficial breathing, pain in the upper
spine

 pain in the throat
 flushing, bluish discoloration of the face and lips, changes in skin texture, excessive sweating
 increase in the production of saliva
 inflammation of intestine with bloody diarrhoea (haemorrhagic colitis)
 stomach pain
 heartburn 
 red swollen tongue, overgrowth of the normal projections on the tongue giving it a hairy

appearance
 severe loss of liver function due to inflammation (fulminant hepatitis)
 pain in several joints
 itching of the vulva in women
 weakness, lack of energy

Not known: (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)
 agitation
 abnormal movements
 jaundice (yellowing of your skin and eyes)
 blood tests showing an increase in a substance called lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) which may be a 

sign of tissue damage

Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not
listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system listed in 
Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this 
medicine.

5. How to store Recarbrio

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

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the container. The expiry date refers
to the last day of that month.

Keep this medicine in the outer carton to protect from light.

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines 
you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

What Recarbrio contains 
 The active substances are imipenem, cilastatin, and relebactam. Each vial contains 500 mg 

imipenem, 500 mg cilastatin, and 250 mg relebactam.
 The other ingredient is sodium hydrogen carbonate.

What Recarbrio looks like and contents of the pack
Recarbrio is a white to light yellow powder supplied for solution for infusion in glass vials. Pack size 
is 25 vials.

 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


31

Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer

Marketing Authorisation Holder Manufacturer
Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.
Waarderweg 39
2031 BN Haarlem
The Netherlands

Laboratoires Merck Sharp & Dohme – Chibret
Route de Marsat – Riom
F-63963 Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 9
France

For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing 
Authorisation Holder:

België/Belgique/Belgien
MSD Belgium BVBA/SPRL
Tél/Tel: +32(0)27766211
dpoc_belux@merck.com

Lietuva
UAB Merck Sharp & Dohme
Tel. + 370 5 278 02 47
msd_lietuva@merck.com

България
Мерк Шарп и Доум България ЕООД
Тел.: +359 2 819 3737
info-msdbg@merck.com

Luxembourg/Luxemburg
MSD Belgium BVBA/SPRL
Tél/Tel: +32(0)27766211
dpoc_belux@merck.com

Česká republika
Merck Sharp & Dohme s.r.o.
Tel: +420 233 010 111 
dpoc_czechslovak@merck.com

Magyarország
MSD Pharma Hungary Kft. 
Tel.: +36 1 888 5300
hungary_msd@merck.com

Danmark
MSD Danmark ApS
Tlf: + 45 4482 4000
dkmail@merck.com

Malta
Merck Sharp & Dohme Cyprus Limited
Tel: 8007 4433 (+356 99917558)
malta_info@merck.com

Deutschland
MSD SHARP & DOHME GMBH
Tel: 0800 673 673 673 (+49 (0) 89 4561 2612)
e-mail@msd.de

Nederland
Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.
Tel: 0800 9999000 
(+31 23 5153153)
medicalinfo.nl@merck.com

Eesti
Merck Sharp & Dohme OÜ
Tel.: +372 6144 200
msdeesti@merck.com

Norge
MSD (Norge) AS
Tlf: +47 32 20 73 00
msdnorge@msd.no

Ελλάδα
MSD Α.Φ.Β.Ε.Ε.
Τηλ: +30 210 98 97 300
dpoc_greece@merck.com

Österreich
Merck Sharp & Dohme Ges.m.b.H.
Tel: +43 (0) 1 26 044
msd-medizin@merck.com

España
Merck Sharp & Dohme de España, S.A.
Tel: +34 91 321 06 00
msd_info@merck.com

Polska
MSD Polska Sp. z o.o.
Tel: +48 22 549 51 00
msdpolska@merck.com

France
MSD France
Tél: + 33 (0) 1 80 46 40 40

Portugal
Merck Sharp & Dohme, Lda
Tel: +351 21 4465700
inform_pt@merck.com

 



32

Hrvatska:
Merck Sharp & Dohme d.o.o. 
Tel: + 385 1 6611 333
croatia_info@merck.com

România
Merck Sharp & Dohme Romania S.R.L.
Tel: +40 21 529 29 00
msdromania@merck.com

Ireland
Merck Sharp & Dohme Ireland (Human Health) 
Limited
Tel: +353 (0)1 2998700
medinfo_ireland@merck.com

Slovenija
Merck Sharp & Dohme, inovativna zdravila d.o.o.
Tel: +386 1 5204 201
msd.slovenia@merck.com

Ísland
Vistor hf.
Sími: + 354 535 7000

Slovenská republika
Merck Sharp & Dohme, s. r. o.
Tel: +421 2 58282010
dpoc_czechslovak@merck.com

Italia
MSD Italia S.r.l. 
Tel: +39 06 361911
medicalinformation.it@merck.com

Suomi/Finland
MSD Finland Oy
Puh/Tel: +358 (0)9 804 650
info@msd.fi

Κύπρος
Merck Sharp & Dohme Cyprus Limited
Τηλ.: 800 00 673 (+357 22866700)
cyprus_info@merck.com

Sverige
Merck Sharp & Dohme (Sweden) AB
Tel: +46 77 5700488
medicinskinfo@merck.com

Latvija
SIA Merck Sharp & Dohme Latvija
Tel: + 371 67364224
msd_lv@merck.com

United Kingdom
Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited
Tel: +44 (0) 1992 467272
medicalinformationuk@merck.com

This leaflet was last revised in {MM/YYYY}.

Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu

<------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------>
The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only:

Recarbrio is supplied as a dry powder in a single-dose vial that must be constituted and further diluted 
using aseptic technique prior to intravenous infusion as outlined below.

 To prepare the infusion solution, contents of the vial must be transferred to 100 mL of an 
appropriate infusion solution: 9 mg/mL (0.9 %) sodium chloride. In exceptional 
circumstances where 9 mg/mL (0.9 %) sodium chloride cannot be used for clinical 
reasons 5 % glucose may be used instead.

 Withdraw 20 mL (10 mL times 2) of diluent from the appropriate infusion bag and 
constitute the vial with 10 mL of the diluent. The constituted suspension must not be 
administered by direct intravenous infusion.

 After constitution, shake vial well and transfer resulting suspension into the remaining 
80 mL of the infusion bag.

 Add the additional 10 mL of infusion diluent to the vial and shake well to ensure complete 
transfer of vial contents; repeat transfer of the resulting suspension to the infusion solution 
before administering. Agitate the resulting mixture until clear. 

 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/


33

 Constituted solutions of Recarbrio range from colorless to yellow. Variations of color 
within this range do not affect the potency of the product.

 For patients with renal insufficiency, a reduced dose of Recarbrio will be administered 
according to the patient's CrCl, as determined from the table below. Prepare 100 mL of 
infusion solution as directed above. Select the volume (mL) of the final infusion solution 
needed for the appropriate dose of Recarbrio as shown in the table below.

Parenteral medicinal products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration 
prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Discard if discoloration or visible 
particles are observed.

Preparation of Recarbrio Doses

Creatinine 
Clearance 
(mL/min)

Dosage of Recarbrio
(imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam)

(mg)

Volume (mL) of Solution to 
be Removed and Discarded 

from Preparation

Volume (mL) of 
Final Infusion 

Solution Needed for 
Dosage

Greater than 
or equal to 90

500/500/250 N/A 100

Less than 90 
to greater than 
or equal to 60

400/400/200 20 80

Less than 60 
to greater than 
or equal to 30

300/300/150 40 60

Less than 30 
to greater than 
or equal to 15
or ESRD on 
haemodialysis

200/200/100 60 40

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 
requirements.

Compatible medicinal products

The physical compatibility of Recarbrio with selected injectable medicinal products was evaluated in 
two commonly available diluents at a Y-infusion site. Compatible medicinal products with the 
corresponding compatible diluent (i.e., 5 % Dextrose Injection and 0.9 % Sodium chloride Injection) 
are listed below. Recarbrio should not be co-administered through the same intravenous line (or 
cannula), with other medicinal products not listed below, as no compatibility data are available. Refer 
to the respective prescribing information of the co-administered medicinal product(s) to confirm 
compatibility of simultaneous co-administration. This medicinal product must not be mixed with other 
medicinal products except those mentioned below.

List of Compatible Injectable Medicinal Products for use with 5 % Dextrose or 0.9 % Sodium chloride 
Injection as Diluents

 dexmedetomidine
 dopamine
 epinephrine
 fentanyl
 heparin
 midazolam
 norepinephrine
 phenylephrine

 



34

Compatible intravenous bags and infusion set materials

Recarbrio is compatible with the following intravenous container bags and infusion set materials. Any 
intravenous bags or infusion set materials not listed below should not be used.

Intravenous Container Bag Materials
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyolefin (polypropylene and polyethylene)

Intravenous Infusion Set Materials (with tubing)
PVC + Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and polyethylene (PE)-lined PVC

Incompatible medicinal products

Recarbrio for solution for infusion is physically incompatible with propofol in 5 % Dextrose (also 
named Glucose) or 0.9 % Sodium chloride.

After constitution and dilution

Diluted solutions should be used immediately. The time interval between the beginning of 
reconstitution and the end of intravenous infusion should not exceed two hours. 

 


	SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	A. MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
	B.  CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE
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	D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET