Telavancin is an antibiotic that is used to treat severe skin infections caused by bacteria.
Telavancin is also used to treat pneumonia in a hospital setting, or pneumonia that can develop while using a ventilator (artificial breathing machine).
Telavancin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Telavancin (Vibativ) used for?
- Skin and Structure Infection
- Nosocomial Pneumonia
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Telavancin (Vibativ)?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to telavancin, or if you are also using a certain type of heparin.
Certain people may be at greater risk of death from using televancin compared with another antibiotic called vancomycin. This risk has been highest in people with pre-existing kidney problems who use telavancin to treat pneumonia they had developed while in a hospital.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- kidney problems;
- diabetes;
- heart disease, high blood pressure;
- long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
- if you are allergic to vancomycin; or
- if you have routine "INR" or prothrombin time tests.
If you are able to become pregnant, you may need a pregnancy test before you start using telavancin. You are considered able to become pregnant unless you have ovarian failure, have had a tubal ligation or hysterectomy, or have been in menopause or not had a menstrual period in 2 years.
You may not be able to use this medicine if you are pregnant. In animal studies, telavancin caused birth defects. However, it is not known whether these effects would occur in humans. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of telavancin on the baby.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
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Side Effects
What are the side effects of Telavancin (Vibativ)?
Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver if you feel itchy or tingly, or have a red rash during the injection.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; rapid heartbeats; difficult breathing, fainting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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);
- fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out); or
- signs of kidney problems–little or no urinating, swelling in your ankles or feet, weight gain, or urine that looks foamy.
Common side effects may include:
- foamy urine;
- nausea, vomiting;
- diarrhea; or
- changes in your sense of taste.
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.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Telavancin (Vibativ) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
You may not be able to use this medicine if you are pregnant. In animal studies, telavancin caused birth defects. However, it is not known whether these effects would occur in humans. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of telavancin on the baby.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Telavancin (Vibativ)?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Telavancin (Vibativ)?
Use Telavancin (Vibativ) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Telavancin 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.
Telavancin is usually given once every 24 hours for 7 to 21 days. This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 1 hour to complete. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Telavancin must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) and then further diluted in an IV bag before using it. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Your kidney function will need to be checked before, during and after treatment with telavancin.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using telavancin.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Telavancin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Store unused vials in a refrigerator.
After mixing the diluent into a vial, you may keep the vial at room temperature for up to 12 hours before you further dilute the mixture in an IV bag and give the injection. If you store the vial in a refrigerator, you must further dilute and use it within 7 days.
The final mixed solution in the IV bag may also be kept frozen for up to 32 days at temperatures between 14 degrees and -22 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees and -30 degrees Celsius).
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.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Telavancin (Vibativ)?
(800) 222-1222
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