Telavancin (Injection)

Introduction:

Telavancin (tel-a-VAN-sin)

Treats serious bacterial skin infections. This medicine is an antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using pain or arthritis medicine (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Ecotrin®, or Motrin®), a diuretic or "water pill" (such as hydrochlorothiazide [HCTZ], furosemide, torsemide, Demadex®, or Lasix®), or blood pressure medicine (such as enalapril, lisinopril, Accupril®, Lotrel®, or Zestril®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• You must have a negative pregnancy test before you will be given this medicine. If you miss a period while you are using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or a history of heart rhythm problems (such as QT prolongation).
• Check with your doctor right away if you have blood in the urine, a change in the frequency of urination or amount of urine, difficulty with breathing, drowsiness, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, or swelling of the feet or lower legs. These may be symptoms of a serious kidney problem.
• This medicine may cause a rare but serious type of infusion reaction called the "Red-man Syndrome." Tell your doctor right away if you start to have itching, hives, chills or fever, a fast heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, a rash or redness of the face, base of the neck, upper body, back, and arms.
• If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blood in the urine.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Diarrhea that may contain blood.
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
• Rash or redness of the face, base of the neck, upper body, back, and arms.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Bad or unpleasant taste in your mouth.
• Dizziness.
• Foamy urine.
• Mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
• Pain or redness where the needle is placed.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: