Orbactiv

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

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 31, 2026. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Orbactiv?

Orbactiv is an antibiotic used in adults to treat certain bacterial skin infections.

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

Orbactiv 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 medical caregiver if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, sweaty, or have a headache, chest tightness, back pain, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face.

Tell your medical caregivers right away if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose); or

• signs of osteomyelitis (bone infection)--new pain, swelling, or warmth in a bone or joint area.

Common side effects of Orbactiv 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

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive Orbactiv 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 or have ever had:

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

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

• any allergies.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is Orbactiv given?

Orbactiv is given by infusion into a vein by a healthcare provider, usually as a single dose.

Your infusion time may change if you switch to a different brand of Orbactiv.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after receiving Orbactiv.

Skipping the dose could let the infection become resistant to this medicine and other antibiotics. This medicine will not treat viral illnesses such as the flu or a common cold.

Orbactiv 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.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea. Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Tell your doctor right away if you notice new pain, swelling, or warmth in a bone or joint area. If your doctor thinks you might have a bone infection (osteomyelitis), they may switch you to a different antibiotic.

Related/similar drugs

What happens if I miss a dose?

In a medical setting you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid after receiving Orbactiv?

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

What other drugs will affect Orbactiv?

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 Orbactiv, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

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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