Dalvance (dalbavancin) is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.
Dalvance is used to treat severe skin infections caused by bacteria.
To reduce the development of bacteria resistant to Dalvance and other antibacterial agents, this medicine should be used only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.
Important information
Dalvance should only be used to treat bacterial infections. It doesnot treat viral infections (e.g. the common cold).
Diarrhea is a common side effect of antibacterial medicines and usually resolves when the medicine is discontinued. Occasionally, frequent watery or bloody diarrhea may occur and this may be a sign of a more serious intestinal infection. If severe watery or bloody diarrhea develops, contact your healthcare provider.
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Dalvance if you are allergic to dalbavancin.
To make sure Dalvance is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Dalvance will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether dalbavancin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How is Dalvance given?
Use Dalvance exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Dalvance is injected into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.
Dalvance is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.
Do not shake the mixed medicine or it may foam. The mixture should appear clear or slightly yellow. Do not use if Dalvance has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
After mixing, store in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not freeze. Use the medicine within 48 hours after mixing.
Dalvance is usually given in two doses, one week apart. Each IV infusion will take at least 30 minutes to complete.
Injecting this medicine too quickly can cause you to feel warm, itchy, anxious, or light-headed.
Each single-use vial (bottle) of this medicine is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left over after injecting your dose.
Use a disposable needle only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Use Dalvance for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Dalvance will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Store unmixed Dalvance powder at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Dalvance dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Skin and Structure Infection:
1000 mg IV, followed one week later by 500 mg IV
Comments: Infuse over 30 minutes.
Uses: Treatment of adult patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) caused by susceptible isolates of the following Gram-positive microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant strains), Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus anginosus group (including S. anginosus, S. intermedius, S. constellatus).
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of Dalvance.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while receiving Dalvance?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop using Dalvance and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Dalvance side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Dalvance: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
Common Dalvance side effects may include:
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headache;
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nausea; or
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diarrhea.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Dalvance?
Other drugs may interact with dalbavancin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
