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Vancomycin/D5 W Frozen Piggyback Injection
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
VANCOMYCIN/D5W – FROZEN PIGGYBACK INJECTION
(vank-oh-MY-sin)
COMMON BRAND NAME: Vancocin
USES: This medication is an antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections, such as skin infections, gynecological infections, urinary tract infections and infections of the blood, bone, heart or respiratory tract.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given through a vein. Thaw frozen container at room temperature (25 degrees C or 77 degrees F) or under refrigeration at 41 degrees F (5 degrees C). Do not try to speed up the thawing process by immersing in a water bath or placing in a microwave. The container should be hung from an eyelet support and the protector removed from the outlet port at the bottom of the container. Attach the administration set as per directions accompanying the set. Do not add any other medication to this container. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by using the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night as prescribed. Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection. Do not use the solution if, after thawing, it is still cloudy, has visible particles in the solution or is discolored.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Other side effects reported include headache, trouble sleeping, swollen tongue, ringing in the ears, tingling of the hands or feet, fever, vaginal itching and dizziness. Inform your doctor if these become bothersome. The site where the injection is given may be red and irritated for a few days. Notify your doctor if the irritation continues or becomes worse. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, hearing problems, stomach or intestinal problems, allergies (especially drug allergies). Vancomycin should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Because the effects to a nursing infant are no known, consult your doctor before you breast feed.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, neomycin), amphotericin B, other antibiotics, live vaccines. If you will be undergoing treatment requiring anesthesia, tell the doctor/dentist you have been using vancomycin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Make sure needles, tubing and supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly.
MISSED DOSE: Use any missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store container in a freezer capable of maintaining temperatures of -20 degrees C (-4 degrees F). After thawing, the solution is stable for 72 hours at room temperature (25 degrees C or 77 degrees F) or for 30 days when stored in the refrigerator at 5 degrees C (41 degrees F).