FDA pharmacologic class
Penem Antibacterial
2 medicines are in FDA's class of penem antibacterials: meropenem and ertapenem (Invanz); 3 combination products also contain one. 3 of the 5 are listed from generic labelers (FDA NDC Directory, October 8, 2026). The lowest pharmacy cost is meropenem iv 1 g vial at $4.69 per vial (NADAC).
Which medicines are penem antibacterial?
| Medicine | Brand names | Generic labelers (all forms) | Pharmacy cost | Boxed warning | Shortage | Recalls since 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meropenem | none listed | 18 labelers | $4.69 per vial 1 g vial | No | No current entry | 1 |
| Ertapenem | Invanz | 15 labelers | $26.63 per vial 1 gram vial | No | No current entry | 0 |
| Cilastatin and imipenem | Primaxin | 2 labelers | n/a | No | A presentation being discontinued | 0 |
| Cilastatin and imipenem and relebactam | Recarbrio | none listed | n/a | No | A presentation being discontinued | 0 |
| Meropenem and vaborbactam | Vabomere | none listed | n/a | No | No current entry | 0 |
Source: FDA Established Pharmacologic Class (NDC Directory, openFDA); CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026; FDA shortages and recalls (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do pharmacies pay?
Each medicine's most widely listed form, per unit, in the NADAC survey: what pharmacies paid, not what a patient pays; strengths differ, so compare like with like.
Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) survey, October 7, 2026: what retail pharmacies paid per unit; not a counter price