Generic name: eravacycline [ ER-a-va-SYE-kleen ]
Drug class: Tetracyclines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 24, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Xerava?

Xerava is a tetracycline antibiotic that is used to treat serious stomach infections in adults.

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

Xerava 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.

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

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (may occur up to 2 months after your last dose of Xerava);

• severe headaches, dizziness, ringing in your ears, vision problems;

• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting; or

• signs of a fungal infection--skin itching or crusting, white patches in your mouth, vaginal itching or discharge, problems with your fingernails or toenails.

Common side effects of Xerava may include:

• nausea, vomiting; or

• pain, bruising, redness, swelling, burning, or irritation around the IV needle.

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.

Related/similar drugs

ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, clindamycin, ceftriaxone, Flagyl

Warnings

You should not use Xerava if you are allergic to any tetracycline antibiotic.

Using Xerava during pregnancy may affect tooth and bone development in the unborn baby.

Xerava is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. This medicine can cause permanent yellowing or graying of the teeth in children.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to Xerava or other tetracycline antibiotics such as demeclocycline, doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline, or tigecycline.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease.

Using Xerava during the second or third trimester of pregnancy may affect tooth and bone development in the unborn baby. This could cause permanent tooth discoloration later in the baby's life.

Eravacycline can pass into breast milk and may affect bone and tooth development in a nursing infant. Do not breastfeed while you are using eravacycline, and for at least 4 days after your last dose.

Xerava is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. This medicine can cause permanent yellowing or graying of the teeth in children.

How should I use Xerava?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Xerava is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use Xerava if you don't understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Xerava must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 1 hour to complete.

Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Use Xerava for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Xerava will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Store unmixed Xerava powder in the refrigerator, do not freeze.

Mixed Xerava must be used within 6 hours if you keep it at room temperature, or 24 hours if kept in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Each single-use vial (bottle) of this medicine is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

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 using Xerava?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

Xerava could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

What other drugs will affect Xerava?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• enzalutamide;

• mitotane;

• rifampin;

• St. John's wort; or

• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or

• seizure medicine--carbamazepine, phenytoin.

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

Frequently asked questions

• What type of drug is Xerava?

Further information

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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