Firvanq (Vancomycin Hydrochloride)

FIRVANQ® is a glycopeptide antibacterial indicated in adults and pediatric patients less than 18 years of age for the treatment of: Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Enterocolitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant strains).

Cautions

Parenteral administration of vancomycin is not effective for the above infections; therefore, vancomycin must be given orally for these infections. Orally administered vancomycin hydrochloride is not effective for treatment of other types of infections. To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of FIRVANQ® and other antibacterial drugs, FIRVANQ® should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. Contraindications: FIRVANQ® is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to vancomycin.

Side Effects

The most common adverse reactions (= 10%) were nausea (17%), abdominal pain (15%), and hypokalemia (13%).