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Overview: Nuzyra is an antibiotic used to treat certain types of pneumonia and skin infections caused by bacteria. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, headache, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, and constipation. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin. This medicine needs to be taken on an empty stomach and must be taken at least 4 hours away from certain foods, drinks, medicines, and over-the-counter (OTC) products.

Uses

What is Nuzyra used for?

Nuzyra (omadacycline) is an antibiotic commonly used to treat certain types of pneumonia and skin infections caused by bacteria.

Nuzyra 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 Nuzyra, which will make it not work as well.

Nuzyra may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Nuzyra work (mechanism of action)?

Nuzyra kills certain types of bacteria by blocking their ability to create proteins. 

How is Nuzyra supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Nuzyra

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 150 mg oral tablets

Nuzyra is also available in injectable forms.

How should I store Nuzyra?

Tablets. Nuzyra tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze. Do not remove tablets from blister packs until ready to take.

Injection. Nuzyra for injection is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Nuzyra?

The most common side effects of Nuzyra are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
  • High blood pressure
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Trouble sleeping 
  • Constipation

There may be other side effects of Nuzyra that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare 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 Nuzyra?

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

Permanent Teeth Discoloration. Nuzyra can cause a permanent change in tooth color to yellow, gray, or brown. It may also affect growth of tooth enamel (also called enamel hypoplasia). These side effects can happen during tooth development in the last half of pregnancy and in children up to age eight years. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If your child is less than eight years old, call your healthcare provider right away.

Bone Growth Problems. Nuzyra can cause problems with bone growth, during bone development in the last half of pregnancy and in children up to eight years old. These effects seem to be reversible once the medicine is stopped. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If your child is taking Nuzyra and is less than eight years old, talk about this with your healthcare provider.

Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including Nuzyra. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can happen even up to two months after stopping the antibiotic. Call your healthcare 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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Nuzyra may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop the medicine 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

Increased Pressure Around the Brain. Nuzyra or medicines that are similar to it can increase the pressure around the brain, a serious condition called pseudotumor cerebri (or increased intracranial pressure). Stop taking Nuzyra and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Severe headache
  • Vision changes

Sensitivity to Sunlight. Nuzyra or medicines similar to it may make your skin very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in the sunlight. Exposure to this kind of light, even for a short time, can cause your skin to be severely sunburned, blistered, or swollen. Tell your healthcare provider right away if any of these happen.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Nuzyra?

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

  • Nuzyra
  • Omadacycline
  • Any other medicine known as a tetracycline
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Nuzyra before using it?

Nuzyra injection is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. 

Do not take Nuzyra tablets unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed. Taking Nuzyra in a way other than it was prescribed may increase the chance that bacteria will develop resistance to Nuzyra. This may make Nuzyra or other antibiotics not work as well in the future. Only take Nuzyra for an infection if your healthcare provider has prescribed it for this reason.

If you are taking the tablet form, do not eat for at least four hours before taking Nuzyra with water. Then, do not eat or drink anything except water for the next two hours. Do not eat or drink any dairy like calcium-fortified orange juice or take any antacids, vitamins, or supplements for four hours after taking a dose. 

Do not share Nuzyra tablets with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Nuzyra tablets out of the reach of children.

People who are older than 65 years of age can be at greater risk of dying while taking Nuzyra for pneumonia. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Nuzyra?

Tell your healthcare 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 Nuzyra is right for you.

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

Other Medicines and Supplements. Nuzyra may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Nuzyra, tell your healthcare 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. Nuzyra may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Nuzyra passes into breast milk. Because of the potential for causing serious side effects in the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for four days after your last dose. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. 

How can I get more information about Nuzyra?

For more information about Nuzyra, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.paratekpharma.com or call them at 833-727-2835.

Interactions

Does Nuzyra interact with foods or drinks?

Oral Tablets. Nuzyra must be taken on an empty stomach. This means no food including liquid food for at least four hours before taking a dose with water. Do not eat or drink anything but water for two hours after taking this medicine. Do not eat or drink any dairy products like milk, yogurt, or ice cream for another two hours after taking a dose. Foods and drinks that are high in calcium may decrease the amount of medicine that your body absorbs from Nuzyra tablets.  

Injectable Liquid. There are no known interactions between the injectable Nuzyra and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Nuzyra, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection

Does Nuzyra interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

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

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

  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
  • An antacid, vitamin, or supplement containing calcium, aluminum, or magnesium
  • Iron, which is a medicine used to treat/prevent low iron levels
  • Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), which is a medicine used for upset stomach, heartburn, and nausea

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Nuzyra. Always check with your healthcare 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 Nuzyra?

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

It is important to complete your prescribed course of Nuzyra, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to Nuzyra or other similar medicines.

Oral Tablet. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. 

Injection. Nuzyra injection is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving it as scheduled.