Daptomycin

What is DAPTOMYCIN?

(DAPTOMYCIN) This medication is an antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Daptomycin is not recommended for use in children younger than 12 months due to possible risk of serious side effects. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.

How should I use DAPTOMYCIN?

This medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on age and weight. If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. If you are using the frozen pre-mixed solution, thaw the medication at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If the container is thawed in the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature before using. Do not thaw by putting in a water bath or microwave. After thawing, shake well and squeeze the container to check for leaks. Discard the solution if the container leaks. Do not freeze it again after thawing. For the best effect, use this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, use this medication at the same time(s) every day. Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take DAPTOMYCIN?

Before using daptomycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, muscle problems (such as myopathy). This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Daptomycin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using daptomycin before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk in very small amounts. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with DAPTOMYCIN?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: "statin" cholesterol drugs (such as lovastatin, simvastatin). This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as PT/INR test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

What if I miss a dose of DAPTOMYCIN?

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What side effects may I notice from receiving DAPTOMYCIN?

Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, increased sweating, or pain/redness/swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness, unusual tiredness, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), signs of a lung infection (such as cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, new/unexplained fever), numbness/tingling of arms/legs, swelling hands/ankles/feet, mental/mood changes (such as anxiety). This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse. This medication may sometimes cause oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever that doesn't go away, new or worsening lymph node swelling, rash, itching/severe swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep DAPTOMYCIN?

Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.