Daptomycin injection

What is daptomycin injection?

DAPTOMYCIN (Cubicin™) is an antibiotic. Daptomycin kills or stops the growth of certain bacteria that cause certain infections. Daptomycin is used to treat infections of the skin. It may also be used to treat other infections, such as infection of the lungs or blood. Generic daptomycin injections are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive daptomycin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• intestinal problems

• kidney disease

• muscle problems

• an unusual reaction to daptomycin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Daptomycin is for slow infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital, clinic, or home-health care setting. Your doses will be given at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with daptomycin?

• certain medicines for lowering cholesterol ("statins" like atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin)

• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking daptomycin?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not begin to improve in a few days.

If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

You may get dizzy while taking daptomycin. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Notify your health care professional if you are scheduled to have any surgery, procedure or medical testing (including myelography); tell your prescriber or health care professional that you have been receiving daptomycin.

What side effects may I notice from receiving daptomycin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• muscle pain or weakness

• numbness or tingling

• severe diarrhea

• skin rash or itching

• vomiting

• unusual tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation or mild diarrhea

• difficulty sleeping

• headache

• nausea

• upset stomach

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Daptomycin infusions are given in a hospital, clinic or in a home-health or skilled care setting. If you are to store the infusions at home, follow the instructions given by your pharmacist or health care provider.