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Vibativ

Generic name: telavancin [ TEL-a-VAN-sin ]
Drug class: Glycopeptide antibiotics

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Mar 22, 2024.

What is Vibativ?

Vibativ is a prescription antibacterial medicine used alone, or with other medicines, to treat adults with certain types of bacterial infections.

Vibativ is used to treat severe skin infections.

Telavancin is also used to treat pneumonia caused by bacteria in a hospital setting, or pneumonia that can develop while using a ventilator (artificial breathing machine).

Vibativ is an injection given by intravenous infusion.

Warnings

Certain people may be at greater risk of death from using Vibativ compared with another antibiotic called vancomycin, especially people with kidney problems who use Vibativ for pneumonia that can develop while in a hospital.

You may not be able to use Vibativ if you are pregnant. In animal studies, telavancin caused birth defects. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

To make sure Vibativ is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney problems. Your kidney function will need to be checked while your are receiving this medicine. Call your doctor at once if you have signs of kidney problems: little or no urinating, swelling in your ankles or feet, weight gain, or urine that looks foamy.

Call your doctor right away if you have a serious side effect such as watery or bloody diarrhea, confusion, thirst, swelling, or feeling short of breath.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Vibativ if you are allergic to telavancin, or if you are also using a certain type of heparin.

Certain people may be at greater risk of death from using televancin compared with another antibiotic called vancomycin. This risk has been highest in people with pre-existing kidney problems who use Vibativ to treat pneumonia they had developed while in a hospital.

To make sure Vibativ is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

If you are able to become pregnant, you may need a pregnancy test before you start using Vibativ. You are considered able to become pregnant unless you have ovarian failure, have had a tubal ligation or hysterectomy, or have been in menopause or not had a menstrual period in 2 years.

You may not be able to use Vibativ if you are pregnant. In animal studies, telavancin caused birth defects. However, it is not known whether these effects would occur in humans. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of telavancin on the baby.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using Vibativ. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Vibativ pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail)

How is Vibativ given?

Use Vibativ exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. .

Vibativ 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.

Vibativ is usually given once every 24 hours for 7 to 21 days. This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 1 hour to complete. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Vibativ must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) and then further diluted in an IV bag before using it. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Your kidney function will need to be checked before, during and after treatment with Vibativ.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Use this medicine 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. Vibativ will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Store unused vials in a refrigerator.

After mixing the diluent into a vial, you may keep the vial at room temperature for up to 12 hours before you further dilute the mixture in an IV bag and give the injection. If you store the vial in a refrigerator, you must further dilute and use it within 7 days.

The final mixed solution in the IV bag may also be kept frozen for up to 32 days at temperatures between 14 degrees and -22 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees and -30 degrees Celsius).

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

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Detailed Vibativ dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

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 Vibativ?

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.

Vibativ side effects

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver if you feel itchy or tingly, or have a red rash during the injection.

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

Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common Vibativ side effects may include:

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.

Vibativ side effects (more detail)

What other drugs will affect Vibativ?

Telavancin can harm your kidneys or cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines for infections, asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, HIV, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

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

Vibativ drug interactions (more detail)

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Vibativ 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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