Dalvance

Brand name:

Dalvance.

Dalbavancin, a second-generation lipoglycopeptide antibiotic, is primarily prescribed to treat acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) in adult patients.

It works against particular Gram-positive microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Enterococcus faecalis, and the Streptococcus anginosus group.

This medication should not be used to treat viral infections. A doctor or medical professional should administer this medicine. It is sold as a powder for reconstitution.

Dalbavancin should only be used to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by the susceptible bacteria mentioned previously.

This ensures effectiveness and reduces the risk of drug-resistant bacteria development. Appropriate laboratory studies should be done before this medication is prescribed.

You and your treating physician need to talk about the pros and cons of using dalbavancin before starting treatment.

You need to consider several factors to make sure this medicine is appropriate for your condition. You should not take Dalvance if you have had allergic reactions to dalbavancin.

If you have had reactions to other glycopeptides, inform your physician. You also need to tell your doctor if you have allergies to food, dyes, preservatives, animals, and/or other medications.

There isn’t enough research regarding the safety and efficacy of dalbavancin in pediatric patients. On the other hand, studies have shown that dalbavancin functions effectively in geriatric patients although it should still be used with caution especially in those with renal problems.

Studies on the effects of dalbavancin in pregnant women and the fetus are not sufficient. This medication should only be used in pregnant women if the pros outweigh the cons.

It is not clear if dalbavancin or its metabolite is passed in breast milk. You need to consider your options carefully. Although research on drug-drug interactions with dalbavancin has not been conducted, you should still give your physician a complete list of your medications.

You may need to avoid certain foods and beverages while taking dalbavancin. You can discuss this further with your healthcare provider.

Other medical conditions can also have an effect on how dalbavancin is absorbed, used, and excreted by the body. Again, if you have had allergic reactions to other glycopeptides, tell your doctor.

Dalbavancin can also worsen diarrhea and liver disease. This medicine should be used cautiously in patients with kidney disease. Since kidney function is impaired, dalbavancin may be excreted in a delayed manner, thereby, increasing the effects.

Dalbavancin should be administered by a trained medical professional. It is given intravenously, which means it is directly administered into your vein via a catheter.

The reconstitution of the powder and administration should be done aseptically.

Dalbavancin can be given as a single dose of 1500 mg or as two doses wherein 1000 mg is infused first and then 500 mg is given a week later.

This dosage is recommended for patients with normal renal function. Dalbavancin should be infused slowly over 30 minutes. Infusing this medication rapidly can cause reactions.

For patients with renal problems, the dose of dalbavancin depends on their creatinine clearance.

In order for the infection to completely clear up, you need to finish the whole treatment especially if you’re receiving this medication at two doses.

Make sure you go to all your follow-up appointments. In this way, your doctor can monitor your condition, ensure that the medication is working properly, and prevent the occurrence of side effects.

You also need to take precautions against allergic reactions. If you start having rashes, breathing problems, itching, trouble swallowing, or any swelling (of hands, face, or mouth), get medical attention right away.

These could be symptoms of a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. As mentioned earlier, rapid infusion of dalbavancin can cause reactions.

Symptoms can include hives, flushing of the upper body, swelling (face or hand), itching, cough, breathing trouble, and/or rash. Inform your nurse right away if you have those.

They may need to decrease the infusion rate or stop it. Again, dalbavancin can affect your liver function.

Inform your doctor immediately if you have pain/tenderness in the upper right portion of your stomach, vomiting, loss of appetite, pale stools, yellow discoloration of eyes or skin, and/or dark urine.

These symptoms can indicate a serious liver problem. You can also develop diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile.

Symptoms may occur during treatment or even more than 2 months after treatment. Check with your physician before taking any anti-diarrhea medications.

There are several side effects that are related to dalbavancin treatment.

You need to check with your physician if you have the following:

• abdominal pain
• back pain
• black/tarry stools
• chest pain or tightness
• cough
• difficulty swallowing
• fast heartbeat
• headache
• hives
• pale skin
• sore mouth or tongue
• swelling of the feet or lower legs
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• vomiting of coffee-ground material
• severe diarrhea
• yellow discoloration of skin or eyes

If you experience other unusual effects, consult your physician right away.