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Printable Version Daptomycin

Active Ingredients: Daptomycin
Representative Names: Cubicin

What is daptomycin injection?
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
How should this medicine be used?
What if I miss a dose?
What drug(s) may interact with daptomycin?
What side effects may I notice from receiving daptomycin?
What should I watch for while taking daptomycin?
Where can I keep my medicine?

What is daptomycin injection? (Back to top)
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 I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
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? (Back to top)
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? (Back to top)
This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with daptomycin? (Back to top)
•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 side effects may I notice from receiving daptomycin? (Back to top)
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

What should I watch for while taking daptomycin? (Back to top)
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.

Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top)
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.

Last Updated:10/02/2003

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY©
GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

  Additional Information

  Check Drug Interactions with Daptomycin

  Test Yourself! If you currently take Daptomycin, do you know everything that you need to know?

  Make your own printable Medication / Emergency Contact Card



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