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Overview: Vibativ is an intravenous (IV) antibiotic used to treat certain types of pneumonia and skin infections caused by bacteria. Common side effects can include an upset stomach, changes in how things taste, and foamy pee. Serious side effects are much less common but can include kidney damage, heart rhythm problems, and a type of diarrhea that is difficult to treat. Notify your health care provider right away if you develop watery or bloody diarrhea.

Uses

What is Vibativ used for?

Vibativ (telavancin) is an intravenous (IV) antibiotic that is commonly used to treat the following infections caused by certain bacteria.

Vibativ may not be appropriate for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to Vibativ, which will make it not work as well.

Vibativ may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Vibativ work (mechanism of action)?

Vibativ kills certain bacteria by interfering with their ability to build a cell wall and by weakening their cell membrane.

How is Vibativ supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Vibativ

Dosage forms and strengths

Vibativ is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Vibativ?

Vibativ is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Vibativ?

The most common side effects of Vibativ are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Diarrhea
  • Change in how things taste
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Foamy pee

There may be other side effects of Vibativ that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Vibativ?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Vibativ are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Vibativ may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Vibativ and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when using Vibativ. People who take certain medicines or have kidney problems, diabetes, heart failure, or high blood pressure may be at greater risk of kidney damage while receiving Vibativ. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

  • Reduced need to pee
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Seizures

Infusion Reactions. Vibativ can cause infusion reactions when it is given to you. Your infusion may be slowed down or stopped if you experience this reaction. You will be monitored while you are receiving Vibativ. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms when you receive the medicine.

  • Redness and warmth of the skin on your upper body
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives

Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including Vibativ. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can happen even up to two months after stopping the antibiotic. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.

  • Watery diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Blood in your stool (poop)
  • Severe stomach cramps
  • Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine

Heart Rhythm Changes. Vibativ may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are older, have other people in their family who have had these conditions, have low potassium or magnesium levels, or who take medicines that can prolong the QT interval. Tell your health care provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Vibativ?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Vibativ.

  • Vibativ
  • Telavancin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Vibativ.

What should I know about Vibativ before using it?

Vibativ is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.

Vibativ may affect the results of coagulation studies, which are tests that measure your body’s ability to form a clot. These tests are sometimes used to monitor blood thinners, such as heparin. It may also affect the results of certain urine (pee) tests. Tell your health care provider if you are currently receiving or have recently received Vitabiv before you have coagulation studies or urine tests done.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Vibativ?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Vibativ is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Vancomycin Allergy. People who have previously had an allergic reaction to vancomycin may experience a similar reaction while using Vibativ. Tell your health care provider if you have a history of an allergic reaction to vancomycin.

Heart Problems. Tell your health care provider if you or anyone in your family has a history of heart problems, especially a condition called QT prolongation or long QT syndrome.

Kidney Problems. Vibativ may not work as well or may be associated with an increased risk of dying if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your health care provider may order tests to determine if they are working well enough to use this medicine and while you are receiving it to watch for problems.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Vibativ may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Vibativ, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Vibativ may cause harm to an unborn baby. You may need a negative pregnancy test before you can use Vibativ. You should use effective birth control while you are using Vibativ and for two days after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use Vibativ while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Vibativ passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use Vibativ while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Vibativ?

For more information about Vibativ, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.vibativ.com or call them at 877-683-6110.

Interactions

Does Vibativ interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Vibativ and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between Vibativ and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does Vibativ interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Vibativ.

  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • An angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, such as enalapril or lisinopril, which is a medicine used for blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
  • An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), such as losartan or valsartan, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions
  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
  • A medicine used to control your heart rate or rhythm (antiarrhythmic)
  • Any medicine that can cause QT prolongation, which is a potentially dangerous heart rhythm problem

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Vibativ. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Vibativ?

If you or someone else has used too much Vibativ, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Vibativ?

Vibativ is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Vibativ as scheduled.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of Vibativ, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to Vibativ or other similar medicines. If you miss an appointment to get your Vibativ dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.