You may have been prescribed a drug called Oritavancin by a doctor, or you may have heard about it somewhere. What kind of drug is this? What does it do? Is there anything to be afraid of? Okay, let's talk about all of this today, as simply as if you were talking to a friend.
What is Oritavancin?
Simply put, Oritavancin is an antibiotic . That is, a medicine that helps fight bacterial infections in our bodies and kill them. Imagine, when some bad bacteria enter our bodies, they spread quickly and we get sick. That's when antibiotics like this come in handy.
But the most important thing to remember is that this medicine only works for bacterial infections. It does not cure viral infections like the common cold, flu, and cough. So a doctor will only prescribe this medicine if you have a bacterial infection after examining you carefully.
Oritavancin is usually used to treat complicated skin infections . It is also sometimes used to kill bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics.
What should I tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
Before giving you Oritavancin, your doctor will ask you some questions. You will also need to tell them clearly what you know. This is important for your safety. Be sure to tell them about things like:
- Have you had or currently have any bowel problems , such as colitis?
- Are you taking any medications that prevent blood clots or thin the blood (e.g. warfarin, heparin). This is very important!
- Tell us if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Oritavancin, other antibiotics, any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives. Tell us about any allergic reactions, even minor ones.
- Are you pregnant or trying to get pregnant?
- Are you a breastfeeding mother ?
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether to give you this medication or look for another option.
How do you use this medicine?
Oritavancin is not a pill that you swallow. It is given as an infusion into a vein , just like saline.
This is usually done in a hospital or clinic by a health care professional. This means someone like a doctor or nurse gives you this medicine. It can take several hours for the medicine to reach your body.
Very rarely, in some special cases, your doctor may decide to have you take this medicine at home. If that happens, you will be given detailed instructions on how to prepare it and how to take it properly. You should take the medicine exactly as instructed, at the right time . Do not take more or less than the amount your doctor tells you to take.
How do you properly dispose of needles and syringes?
If you are taking this medicine at home, it is not a good idea to throw away used needles and syringes. They should be placed in a special sharps container provided. Do not put them in the trash at all. If you do not have such a container, ask your pharmacist or doctor for one. This is very important for the environment and for the safety of others.
Can this medicine be given to small children?
You should talk to your pediatrician about giving this medicine to young children. Sometimes special care may be needed.
What to do if the medication dose is increased? (Overdosage)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call a poison control center or emergency room immediately . Don't waste time.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with others for any reason.
What to do if you miss a dose? (Missed Dose)
It is not a good idea to skip a scheduled dose of this medicine. If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, call your doctor or healthcare professional.
If you are taking your medicine at home, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take double or extra doses.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
There are some medications that can cause problems when taken with Oritavancin. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (over-the-counter, from the pharmacy), vitamins, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements. You should also tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or take other drugs.
Oritavancin should never be taken with these medications:
- Heparin (this is a medicine given into a vein)
Also, these medications can interact with Oritavancin, so special attention is needed:
- Birth control pills
- Dextromethorphan (found in some cough syrups)
- Midazolam (sometimes given to induce unconsciousness before surgery)
- Omeprazole ( a medicine for gastritis)
- Warfarin ( a blood thinner)
This list is not exhaustive, so it's best to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
- If your symptoms do not improve, or if they seem to get worse , tell your doctor or healthcare professional immediately.
- If you have diarrhea, do not take over-the-counter medications. If you have diarrhea for more than two days, or if it becomes more severe, such as watery diarrhea, tell your doctor . This may be a side effect of the medication, or it may be something else.
Possible side effects of this medicine
Like any medicine, Oritavancin can cause some side effects. Not everybody gets them, but it's good to be aware of them.
Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately:
These can be serious, so tell your doctor right away if you notice these signs:
- Allergic reactions : skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
- Bone pain .
- Bloody or watery diarrhea .
- Fast or irregular heartbeat .
Side effects that usually do not require medical advice (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome):
These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor if they are bothering you:
- Common diarrhea.
- Dizziness.
- Headache .
- Nausea, vomiting.
- Pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected.
This list may not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, consult your doctor. You can report side effects to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where do I keep my medicine? (Storage)
This medicine is usually given in a hospital or clinic, so you don't have to keep it at home.
However, as mentioned earlier, if you only use this medicine at home on a very rare occasion, you will be advised on how to store it safely. Any unused medicine that has passed its expiration date should be discarded.
Also, like all medicines, this should be kept out of the reach of children .
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Oritavancin is a powerful antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
- Use only as prescribed by your doctor.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience any allergic symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.
- If diarrhea is severe or lasts more than two days, tell your doctor .
- If using the medicine at home, dispose of the needles properly.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with others.
If you have any further questions about this medicine, don't hesitate to ask your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. They will help you. Stay healthy!
` Oritavancin, antibiotic, bacterial infections, injection, side effects
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