Daptomycin (DAP-toe-mye-sin)

Treats or prevents skin infection caused by certain bacteria. This medicine also treats blood infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. This medicine is an antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Cubicin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicine to lower cholesterol such as atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, Lescol®, Lipitor®, Pravachol®, or Zocor®. Tell your doctor if you are using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or antibiotics such as tobramycin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, or if you are on dialysis.
• Tell your doctor if you develop any muscle or nerve problems while you are using this medicine.
• If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

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.
• Burning while urinating, or a decrease in how often or how much you urinate.
• Chest pain.
• Dry mouth, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Muscle pain or weakness, especially in your arms or legs.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

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

• Anxiety or increased sweating.
• Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, or upset stomach.
• Headache.
• Joint pain, back pain.
• Skin rash or itching.
• Trouble sleeping.