Health Library

Oritavancin (By injection)

Oritavancin (or-it-a-VAN-sin)

Treats skin infections.

Brand Name(s):

Kimyrsa, Orbactiv

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. This medicine needs to be given slowly, so the needle will stay in place for over an hour.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• You should not receive a heparin injection if you have received oritavancin within the past 120 hours (5 days).
• Some medicines can affect how oritavancin works. Tell your doctor if you are also using warfarin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, bone infection, or an allergy to glycopeptides (including dalbavancin, telavancin, vancomycin).
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of bleeding when used with warfarin
  • Infusion-related reactions
  • Bone infection, including osteomyelitis
• This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bone pain
• Fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting
• Pain, swelling, or tenderness in the skin
• Severe diarrhea that may be bloody, stomach cramps or pain
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper body

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild diarrhea
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024