Telavancin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 12, 2024.

Applies to telavancin: intravenous powder for solution.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Intravenous route (powder for solution)

Patients with preexisting moderate/severe renal impairment (Cr. Cl 50 mL/min or less) who were treated with telavancin for hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia/ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia had increased mortality observed versus vancomycin.

Use of telavancin in patients with pre-existing moderate/severe renal impairment (Cr. Cl 50 mL/min or less) should be considered only when the anticipated benefit to the patient outweighs the potential risk.

Nephrotoxicity: New onset or worsening renal impairment has occurred.

Monitor renal function in all patients.

Embryofetal toxicity: Telavancin may cause fetal harm.

In animal reproduction studies, adverse developmental outcomes were observed in 3 animal species at clinically relevant doses.

Verify pregnancy status prior to initiating treatment and advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception.

Common side effects of telavancin

Some side effects of telavancin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• bad, unusual or unpleasant (after) taste
• change in taste
• diarrhea
• foamy urine

Less common

• decreased appetite
• dry, red, hot, or irritated skin
• feeling unusually cold
• shivering

Serious side effects of telavancin

Along with its needed effects, telavancin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking telavancin:

Less common

• blood in the urine
• change in the frequency of urination or amount of urine
• difficulty with breathing
• drowsiness
• increased thirst
• loss of appetite
• nausea or vomiting
• swelling of the feet or lower legs
• weakness

Incidence not known

• abdominal or stomach tenderness
• chills or fever
• cough
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness, especially when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fast heartbeat
• hives or itching of the skin
• nausea or vomiting
• pain, redness, or soreness at the injection site
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• rash or redness of the face, base of the neck, upper body, back, and arms
• severe abdominal or stomach cramps and pain
• tightness in the chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• watery and severe diarrhea, which may also be bloody

For healthcare professionals

Applies to telavancin: intravenous powder for injection.

Other

• Very common (10% or more): All-cause mortality (up to 44%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Fungal infection, fatigue, chills
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Septic shock, multi-organ failure, tinnitus, asthenia, malaise, non-cardiac chest pain, peripheral edema, pain, pyrexia, infusion site reactions including Red Man syndrome
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Deafness^[Ref]

Renal

• Very common (10% or more): Increased serum creatinine to 1.5 times baseline (up to 16%), renal impairment/renal insufficiency/renal failure (up to 10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Acute renal failure, increased blood creatinine
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased blood urea^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anemia, leukopenia, thrombocythemia, thrombocytopenia, increased eosinophil count, increased neutrophil count, increased INR

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): QTc prolongation
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Angina pectoris, atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, congestive cardiac failure, prolonged electrocardiogram QT corrected interval, palpitations, sinus tachycardia, supraventricular extrasystoles, ventricular extrasystoles, flushing, hypertension, hypotension, phlebitis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 27%), vomiting (up to 14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, constipation
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Clostridium colitis, abdominal pain, dry mouth, dyspepsia, flatulence, oral hypoesthesia^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity reactions
• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Metallic/soapy taste disturbance (up to 33%), dysgeusia (more than 10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Ageusia, migraine, paraesthesia, parosmia, somnolence, tremor^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Foamy urine (up to 13%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urinary tract infection, dysuria, hematuria, microalbuminuria, oliguria, pollakiuria, abnormal urine odor

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased ALT, increased AST
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hepatitis

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, rash
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Erythema, face edema, hyperhidrosis, urticaria^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Decreased appetite
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Rigors
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Arthralgia, back pain, muscle cramp, myalgia

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Eye irritation, blurred vision

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Agitation, anxiety, confusional state, depression

Respiratory

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspnea, hiccups, nasal congestion, pharyngolaryngeal pain

Further information

Telavancin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer