Oritavancin Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information

T Why is this medication prescribed?
P Oritavancin injection is used to treat skin infections. Oritavancin is in a class of medications called lipoglycopeptide antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, and other viral infections.

T How should this medicine be used?
P Oritavancin injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be given through a needle or catheter placed in your vein. It is usually injected slowly into a vein over 3 hours as a one-time dose by a doctor or nurse.
P You should begin to feel better after receiving treatment with oritavancin injection. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.

T Other uses for this medicine
P This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

T What special precautions should I follow?
t Before using oritavancin injection,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to oritavancin, dalbavancin (Dalvance), telavancin (Vibativ), vancomycin (Vancocin), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in oritavancin injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor if you are receiving heparin injection. Your doctor will probably stop your heparin for at least 5 days after receiving oritavancin injection.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention: anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had osteomyelitis (bone infection).
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

T What special dietary instructions should I follow?
P Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

T What side effects can this medication cause?
t Oritavancin injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness
- headache
- redness and swelling at the infusion site
t Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) that may occur with or without fever and stomach cramps (may occur up to 2 months or more after your treatment)
- swelling of the lips, face, hands, or legs
- itching
- hives
- rash
- wheezing
P Oritavancin injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
P If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

T In case of emergency/overdose
P In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

T What other information should I know?
P Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
P Before having any laboratory test within 5 days of receiving oritavancin, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you have received this medication.
P If you still have symptoms of infection after you finishing your treatment with oritavancin injection, call your doctor.
P It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

T Brand names
- Orbactiv®

