Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment his Department has made of the side effects of the drug Tazocin; and what guidance NHS trusts in England are following on the administration of that drug.

Tazocin is a specific brand of the antibiotic piperacillin-tazobactam, of which several generic formulations are also authorised for use. It is indicated for the treatment of a range of severe and complicated infections. As with all medicines, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has fully evaluated the safety, quality and efficacy of Tazocin, and generic versions of piperacillin-tazobactam, and the balance of benefits and risks is favourable. The possible side effects are listed in full in the product information for healthcare professionals and patients.

Information is also given on how the medicine should be administered. Piperacillin-tazobactam is administered as an infusion, however, Tazocin and generic formulations of piperacillin-tazobactam have different compatibilities with other medicines given at the same time. The MHRA and manufacturers have issued guidance on which products generic piperacillin-tazobactam must not be mixed or co-administered with.