The Basics

What is Dalbavancin?

Used to treat acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) in adults.

Brand names for Dalbavancin

Dalvance

How Dalbavancin is classified

Anti-Infective Agents, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Glycopeptides, Lipoglycopeptides

Dalbavancin During Pregnancy

Dalbavancin pregnancy category

Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Dalbavancin while pregnant

There have been no adequate and well-controlled studies with DALVANCE in pregnant women. DALVANCE should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. No treatment-related malformations or embryo-fetal toxicity were observed in pregnant rats or rabbits at clinically relevant exposures of dalbavancin. Treatment of pregnant rats with dalbavancin at 3.5 times the human dose on an exposure basis during early embryonic development and from implantation to the end of lactation resulted in delayed fetal maturation and increased fetal loss, respectively . The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. However, the background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2 to 4% and of miscarriage is 15 to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.

Taking Dalbavancin While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Dalbavancin?

Because dalbavancin is poorly absorbed orally, it is not likely to reach the bloodstream of the infant or cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. Monitor the infant for possible effects on the gastrointestinal tract, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and candidiasis (e.g., thrush, diaper rash). However, because there is no published experience with dalbavancin during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Because dalbavancin is poorly absorbed orally, it is not likely to reach the bloodstream of the infant or cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. Monitor the infant for possible effects on the gastrointestinal tract, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and candidiasis (e.g., thrush, diaper rash). However, because there is no published experience with dalbavancin during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Possible effects of Dalbavancin on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Dalbavancin

Clindamycin, Daptomycin, Doxycycline, Linezolid, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole, Vancomycin.

List of References

Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/None listed

Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.

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