Generic name: oritavancin [ or-IT-a-VAN-sin ]
Brand names: Kimyrsa, Orbactiv
Drug class: Glycopeptide antibiotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 5, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Kimyrsa?

Kimyrsa is an antibiotic that is used to treat severe skin infections caused by bacteria.

Kimyrsa may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Kimyrsa side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel warm, itchy, dizzy, light-headed, sweaty, or have chills, tremors, chest pain, back pain, a rash, or redness in your face or upper body.

Kimyrsa may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after you receive Kimyrsa); or

• pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, or warmth anywhere in your body.

Common side effects of Kimyrsa may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• fever, chills;

• itching;

• headache; or

• skin infections.

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.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive Kimyrsa if you are allergic to it, or if you will be using "unfractionated" heparin within 5 days after your receive this medicine injection.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to medicines such as dalbavancin, telavancin, or vancomycin; or

• if you use a blood thinner (such as warfarin) and you have routine "INR" or prothrombin time tests.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Kimyrsa is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How is Kimyrsa given?

Kimyrsa is injected into a vein by a healthcare provider, usually as a single dose.

Kimyrsa is injected slowly over 3 hours.

Call your doctor promptly if your symptoms do not improve after receiving Kimyrsa.

Kimyrsa can affect the results of certain medical tests for up to 5 days after your injection. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have been treated with this medicine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Kimyrsa is given in a single dose, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid after receiving Kimyrsa?

Avoid taking anti-diarrhea medicine without first asking your doctor. Diarrhea may be a sign of a new infection.

For at least 5 days after receiving Kimyrsa, avoid using heparin.

What other drugs will affect Kimyrsa?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a blood thinner such as heparin or warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Kimyrsa, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

• Your doctor can provide more information about Kimyrsa.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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