telavancin

What is the most important information I should know about telavancin?

Certain people may be at greater risk of death from using televancin compared with another antibiotic called vancomycin, especially people with kidney problems who use telavancin for pneumonia that can develop while in a hospital.

Tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney problems. Your kidney function will need to be checked before, during and after treatment with telavancin.

What is telavancin?

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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving telavancin?

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.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of telavancin on the baby.

How is telavancin given?

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.

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while receiving telavancin?

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.

What are the possible side effects of telavancin?

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.

• 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.

What other drugs will affect telavancin?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a diuretic or "water pill";
• heart rhythm medicine;
• a blood thinner --warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;
• certain heart or blood pressure medicine --benazepril, candesartan, captopril, enalapril, irbesartan, lisinopril, losartan, olmesartan, telmisartan, trandolapril, valsartan, and others; or
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) --aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

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

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about telavancin.