Daptomycin

Generic name: Daptomycin
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (350 mg; 500 mg)
Drug class: Miscellaneous antibiotics

Usage of Daptomycin

Daptomycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections of the skin and underlying tissues, and infections that have entered the bloodstream.

Daptomycin is used for complicated infections, including MRSA or "super bug" infections. MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Daptomycin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Daptomycin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic Reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Daptomycin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);

fever, flu symptoms, mouth and throat ulcers, rapid heart rate, shallow breathing;

pain or burning when you urinate;

numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;

easy bruising, unusual bleeding;

new or worsening cough, fever, trouble breathing; or

unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.

Common side effects of daptomycin may include:

chest pain, trouble breathing;

headache, dizziness;

stomach pain, vomiting;

swelling;

abnormal liver function tests;

rash, itching, sweating;

trouble sleeping;

sore throat; or

increased blood pressure.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Daptomycin

You should not use daptomycin if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

kidney disease; or

a nerve or muscle disorder.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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How to use Daptomycin

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Daptomycin is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use daptomycin if you don't understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Daptomycin must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

You may need frequent blood and urine tests.

daptomycin may cause false results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using daptomycin.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Some infections must be treated for up to 6 weeks. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Daptomycin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Store daptomycin in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. After mixing daptomycin with a diluent, store in the refrigerator and use it within 48 hours.

You may also store mixed daptomycin for up to 12 hours at room temperature.

Each vial (bottle) is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Daptomycin

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially a "statin" cholesterol medicine such as:

atorvastatin (Lipitor, Caduet);

fluvastatin (Lescol);

lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev, Advicor);

pitavastatin (Livalo);

pravastatin (Pravachol);

rosuvastatin (Crestor); or

simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin);

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect daptomycin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.