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Overview: Dalvance is an intravenous (IV) antibiotic used to treat certain skin infections caused by bacteria. Common side effects can include nausea, headaches, diarrhea, and a fever. Serious side effects are much less common but can include infusion and allergic reactions, and a type of diarrhea that is difficult to treat. Let your health care provider know right away if you have watery or bloody diarrhea.

Uses

What is Dalvance used for?

Dalvance (dalbavancin) is an intravenous (IV) antibiotic that is commonly used to treat certain skin infections caused by bacteria.

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

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

How does Dalvance work (mechanism of action)?

Dalvance kills certain types of bacteria by interfering with their ability to build a cell wall.

How is Dalvance supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Dalvance

Dosage forms and strengths

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

How should I store Dalvance?

Dalvance 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 Dalvance?

The most common side effects of Dalvance are listed below. These side effects may vary, based on the age of the person using it. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea 
  • Headache 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Fever 

There may be other side effects of Dalvance 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 (800-332-1088). 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 Dalvance?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Dalvance may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Dalvance 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

Infusion Reactions. Dalvance can cause infusion reactions when it is given to you. Your infusion may be slowed down or stopped if you have problems with this. You will be monitored while you are receiving Dalvance. 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
  • Back pain

Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including Dalvance. 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

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Dalvance?

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

  • Dalvance
  • Dalbavancin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Dalvance before using it?

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

People who are 65 and older can be at a greater risk of some side effects of Dalvance. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

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

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 know if Dalvance is right for you.

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

Antibiotic Allergies. People who have previously had an allergic reaction to other antibiotics including oritavancin, telavancin, or vancomycin may have a similar allergic reaction to Dalvance. Tell your health care provider if you have a history of an allergic reaction to any of these antibiotics.

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

  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Dalvance could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

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

How can I get more information about Dalvance?

For more information about Dalvance, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.dalvance.com or call them at 800-255-5162.

Interactions

Does Dalvance interact with foods or drinks?

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

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

Does Dalvance interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Dalvance and other medicines. 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.

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 Dalvance?

If you or someone else has used too much Dalvance, 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 Dalvance?

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

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