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Daptomycin Coupon - Daptomycin 500mg vial

daptomycin

Generic Cubicin
Used for Skin Infection, Bacterial Infection
Used for Skin Infection, Bacterial Infection

Daptomycin (Cubicin) is an antibiotic that treats certain serious skin infections and bloodstream infections. It can fight against some bacteria that are hard to treat, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Daptomycin (Cubicin) is given as a quick intravenous (IV) injection over a 2-minute period or as an IV infusion over a 30-to-60 minute period. The dosing depends on your age, weight, kidney function, the type of infection you have, and how severe it is. Common side effects include headache and diarrhea.

Last reviewed on August 30, 2023
basics-icon

What is Daptomycin (Cubicin)?

What is Daptomycin (Cubicin) used for?

How Daptomycin (Cubicin) works

Daptomycin (Cubicin) is a cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from making their own genetic material (like DNA) and proteins that they need to survive.

Are you looking for information on dactinomycin (Cosmegen) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCubicin, Cubicin RF, Dapzura RT
Drug ClassCyclic lipopeptide antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Daptomycin (Cubicin)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Diarrhea (5%)
  • Headache (5%)
  • Rash (4%)
  • Abnormal liver function tests (3%)
  • Dizziness (2%)
  • Urinary tract infections (2%)
  • Low blood pressure (2%)
  • Shortness of breath (2%)

Other Side Effects

  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Muscle weakness
  • Taste disturbance
  • Eye irritation
  • Flushing
  • Irritated skin (eczema)

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reactions: sore throat, fever, fatigue, rash, hives, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the face or lips, trouble breathing
  • C. difficile-related diarrhea: fever, stomach pain or cramps, foul-smelling diarrhea, frequent bowel movements (up to 15 times per day)
  • Severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis): dark brown urine, severe muscle weakness or pain, fever, tiredness
  • Serious kidney problems: fever, nausea, vomiting, swelling, weight gain, sleepiness, confusion, urinating less than usual, bloody urine

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

fever

rapid weight gain

tingling of the hands or feet

unusual weight gain or loss

Less common

Agitation

black, tarry stools

bladder pain

bloody or cloudy urine

blurred vision

chest pain or discomfort

chills

confusion

cough

decreased awareness or responsiveness

decreased frequency or amount of urine

depression

diarrhea

difficult, burning, or painful urination

dilated neck veins

dizziness

dry mouth

dryness and peeling of the skin

extreme fatigue

fainting

faintness or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

fast heartbeat

frequent urge to urinate

headache

hostility

increased blood pressure

increased thirst

irregular breathing

irregular heartbeat

irritability

itching in the genital or other skin areas

itching, pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth on the skin

lightheadedness

loss of appetite

loss of consciousness

lower back or side pain

mood changes

muscle pain or cramps

muscle twitching

nausea

nervousness

numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips

pale skin

pounding in the ears

rapid weight gain

rapid, shallow breathing

seizures

severe sleepiness

skin rash

slow or fast heartbeat

sneezing

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

sore throat

stomach pain

sweating

swelling of the face, fingers, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

swollen glands

tightness in the chest

trouble breathing

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

weight gain

Rare

Bleeding gums

blood in the urine or stools

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

clay-colored stools

dark urine

difficulty with moving

drowsiness

eye pain

feeling of warmth

feeling unusually cold

general feeling of illness

hives, itching

hoarseness

increase in bone pain

irritation

joint pain, stiffness, or swelling

loss of appetite

mood or mental changes

muscle aching or cramping

muscle spasms (tetany) or twitching

no blood pressure or pulse

pinpoint red spots on the skin

rapid or irregular heartbeat

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

shivering

skin rash, encrusted, scaly, and oozing

stopping of the heart

swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet

swollen joints

swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin

trembling

trouble swallowing

twitching, twisting, uncontrolled repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs

unpleasant breath odor

vomiting of blood

yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known

Diarrhea, watery, and severe, which may also be bloody

dry cough

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

stomach cramps or tenderness

unusual weight loss

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site

difficulty having a bowel movement

Less common

Anxiety

back pain

blurred vision

cold sweats

cool, pale skin

decreased appetite

depression

flushed, dry skin

fruit-like breath odor

increased hunger

increased urination

itching of the vagina or outside genitals

lack or loss of strength

limb pain

nervousness

nightmares

pain during sexual intercourse

shakiness

slurred speech

sweating

thick, white, curd-like vaginal discharge without odor or with mild odor

trouble sleeping

unexplained weight loss

Rare

Bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste

belching

change in taste

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

feeling of fullness

hearing loss

heartburn

indigestion

pain or discomfort in the chest, upper stomach, or throat

passing gas

pressure in the stomach

red, sore eyes

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

sensation of spinning

sore mouth or tongue

swelling of the stomach area

swelling or inflammation of the mouth

white patches in the mouth or on the tongue

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Daptomycin (Cubicin)

thumbs-up

Pros

Good at treating serious skin and bloodstream infections caused by Staphylococcus bacteria ("staph" infections)

Can use to treat children as young as 1 year of age

Given once per day

thumbs-down

Cons

Needs to be given as an IV infusion over a 30-to-60 minute period

Not the best option for people who have severe kidney problems

Can cause a serious muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Daptomycin (Cubicin)

pharmacist
  • Get medical help if you experience muscle pain or weakness, especially if you also have a fever or feel extremely tired. This can be a sign of rare, but serious muscle breakdown called rhabdomyolysis. Let your provider know if you're taking a statin (a common cholesterol medication) because this can raise your risk.

    • Call for emergency help right away if you experience a rash, itchy skin, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face or mouth. These are signs of a severe allergic reaction.

      • Daptomycin (Cubicin) can cause diarrhea. It typically goes away when you stop taking the antibiotic. But call your provider as soon as possible if you start having watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, fatigue, or stomach cramps anytime during treatment or after stopping daptomycin (Cubicin). These can be signs of infectious diarrhea that can be serious and needs to be treated right away.

        • Let your provider know if you're taking warfarin (Coumadin) because daptomycin (Cubicin) can affect your INR readings. The antibiotic can cause falsely high INR levels.

          • Contact your provider if you develop other symptoms of an illness or if your symptoms become worse. Daptomycin (Cubicin) can only treat infections caused by bacteria and won't help if you have an infection caused by a virus or fungus.

            Tips for using daptomycin (Cubicin) at home (if instructed by your provider):

            • If you need treatment with daptomycin (Cubicin) for a long time, it's possible that your provider might let you take the medication at home. If so, make sure to follow your provider's instructions carefully so you use daptomycin (Cubicin) properly and safely. Your provider might instruct you to use vials of the medication that need to be mixed and prepared or premixed bags that are ready to use.

              • If you're using daptomycin (Cubicin) at home for long-term treatment, you should set a reminder for your doses. It's important to take all of your doses of daptomycin (Cubicin) and finish your treatment course, even if you feel better. Otherwise, your infection might get worse or become harder to treat.

                • Write down any scheduled provider visits and blood work appointments on your calendar. This will help your provider make sure that daptomycin (Cubicin) is treating your infection and that it's safe for you.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Daptomycin (Cubicin)

                  Does daptomycin (Cubicin) treat MRSA?
                  Yes, daptomycin (Cubicin) is one of the first-choice options for treating certain infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (also known as MRSA). MRSA is a bacterial infection that's hard to treat since many antibiotics don't work against it. In addition to MRSA, daptomycin (Cubicin) can also treat some other types of bacteria, such as those from the Enterococci and Streptococci families.
                  Is daptomycin (Cubicin) stronger than vancomycin?
                  Daptomycin (Cubicin) and vancomycin are similar antibiotics in that they both treat serious infections caused by similar types of bacteria. One medication isn't necessarily "stronger" than the other. But daptomycin (Cubicin) is a good choice when vancomycin can't be used. One example is for infections caused by resistant bacteria that vancomycin won't work to fight against (e.g., vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE)). Another difference includes how often the medications are given (once per day for daptomycin (Cubicin), every 6 to 24 hours for vancomycin). In addition, daptomycin (Cubicin) might cause less kidney injury than vancomycin.
                  Does daptomycin (Cubicin) treat pneumonia?
                  No, daptomycin (Cubicin) shouldn't be used to treat pneumonia (lung infection). This is because daptomycin (Cubicin) gets blocked by surfactant in the lungs, which is a collection of protein and lipids (fat) that helps your lungs work. This means that daptomycin (Cubicin) doesn't work well in the lungs to treat pneumonia. Your healthcare team will choose a different antibiotic that will work better to treat your lung infection.
                  Is daptomycin (Cubicin) harmful to the kidneys?
                  Daptomycin (Cubicin) can be harmful to the kidneys, but it's rare. Though uncommon, daptomycin (Cubicin) can cause rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening muscle problem that can then lead to kidney problems. Since the kidneys help get rid of daptomycin (Cubicin) from the body, people with kidney problems typically need a lower dose of the antibiotic. This helps prevent the medication from building up in the body and lower the risk of side effects. Your provider will check your kidney function while you're getting treated with daptomycin (Cubicin) to make sure it's not harming your kidneys and to see whether your dose needs to be adjusted to keep you safe.
                  Can I take daptomycin (Cubicin) if I'm allergic to penicillin?
                  Yes, you can safely take daptomycin (Cubicin) if you're allergic to penicillin. The two medications are different types of antibiotics: daptomycin (Cubicin) is a cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic, whereas penicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic. They work differently to get rid of bacteria and have completely different chemical structures. If you're allergic to one of these antibiotics, it doesn't mean you'll be allergic to the other.
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                  warings-icon

                  What are the risks and warnings for Daptomycin (Cubicin)?

                  Daptomycin (Cubicin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  Severe allergic reactions

                  Severe allergic reactions to daptomycin (Cubicin) are possible. These can include life-threatening reactions like facial swelling and anaphylaxis (e.g., closing of the throat). Daptomycin (Cubicin) can also cause drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which can look like fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Get medical help right away if you notice any of these symptoms to get appropriate treatment.

                  risk-warning

                  Muscle pain and severe muscle damage

                  • Risk factors: Kidney problems | Taking other medications (e.g., statins) that can also cause muscle problems

                    Daptomycin (Cubicin) can cause a rare, but serious and life-threatening muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis. Your risk is higher if you take medications that cause muscle problems (e.g., statins). Your provider will regularly check your creatine phosphokinase (CPK) blood levels, which measures possible muscle damage. Your provider will also regularly check your kidney function during treatment because severe muscle damage can lead to kidney problems. Stop daptomycin (Cubicin) and get medical attention right away if you notice any of symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, such as severe muscle pain, dark-colored urine, weakness, and tiredness.

                    risk-warning

                    Kidney damage

                    Although rare, daptomycin (Cubicin) can cause kidney damage. This can make your kidneys not work as well as they should. Daptomycin (Cubicin) can also cause muscle damage that leads to kidney problems. Your provider will monitor your kidney health during your daptomycin (Cubicin) treatment course.

                    risk-warning

                    Pneumonia

                    Some people taking daptomycin (Cubicin) have had a rare type of pneumonia called eosinophilic pneumonia. In general, it can happen 2 to 4 weeks after starting daptomycin (Cubicin). If this happens, it means that you probably can't get treated with this antibiotic anymore. Call your nurse right away if you have a high fever, chest pain, cough, or trouble breathing.

                    risk-warning

                    Nerve damage

                    Daptomycin (Cubicin) can rarely cause nerve pain. Symptoms include burning, tingling, numbness, pain, or not being able to tolerate heat or coldness in parts of your body. Tell your provider if you have any of these symptoms because you might need to stop using daptomycin (Cubicin).

                    risk-warning

                    Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection

                    Antibiotics, including daptomycin (Cubicin), raise your risk of getting infected with a bacteria called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). This infection can cause diarrhea that can sometimes be life-threatening. Antibiotics change the amount of normal bacteria in your stomach and intestines. This can cause C. diff to overgrow in your gut and lead to an infection.

                    This type of infectious diarrhea is different than the diarrhea you might get as a possible side effect of daptomycin (Cubicin). C. diff-related diarrhea can cause rapid heart rate, fever, nausea, foul-smelling diarrhea, bloody stools, or frequent bowel movements (even up to 15 times per day). This is a medical emergency, so get medical attention right away if you experience any of these symptoms. You'll get tested for C. diff infection and receive treatment, if needed.

                    risk-warning

                    Development of drug-resistant bacteria

                    Your provider will monitor your treatment with daptomycin (Cubicin) to make sure you're taking the antibiotic for the appropriate infection and amount of time. Using daptomycin (Cubicin) for a shorter period of time than recommended or taking the medication for other illnesses can raise your risk for your infection to become more serious and harder to treat.

                    dosage

                    Daptomycin (Cubicin) dosage forms

                    Typical dosing for Daptomycin (Cubicin)

                    Daptomycin (Cubicin) is given as an injection into the veins (IV) by a provider in a healthcare setting (e.g., hospital, office, nursing home). The injection is typically given as an infusion that takes 30 minutes to an hour. But it can also be given as a quick injection over a 2-minute period for adults only.

                    Your dose is based on your body weight and kidney function. The dose and length of treatment also depends on what type of infection you have and how serious it is. Your provider will determine the right dose and length of treatment for you.

                    For most infections, the general dosage is as follows:

                    Skin and soft tissue infections

                    • Adults: The typical dose is 4 mg/kg IV once daily for 7 to 14 days.

                    • Children ages 1 to 17 years: The typical dose is 5 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg IV once daily for up to 14 days.

                    Bloodstream infections (caused by Staphylococcus aureus or "staph")

                    • Adults: The typical dose is 6 mg/kg IV once daily for 2 to 6 weeks.

                    • Children ages 1 to 17 years: The typical dose is 7 mg/kg to 12 mg/kg IV once daily for up to 6 weeks.

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Daptomycin (Cubicin) and other drugs

                    Daptomycin (Cubicin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Daptomycin (Cubicin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Daptomycin (Cubicin)?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Daptomycin (Cubicin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Daptomycin (Cubicin)
                    Used for:
                    Used for:
                    • Skin and skin structure infections caused by certain bacteria in adults

                    Used for:
                    $46.94 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                    Daptomycin (Cubicin) images

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                    brown - Daptomycin 500mg Powder for Injection
                    This medicine is Brown Vial.brown - Daptomycin 500mg Powder for Injection
                    brown - Daptomycin 500mg Powder for Injection
                    This medicine is Brown Vial.brown - Daptomycin 500mg Powder for Injection

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                    References

                    Best studies we found
                    View All References (15)

                    Bush, L. M. (2023). Enterococcal infections. Merck Manual Consumer Version

                    Bush, L. M. (2023). Overview of Gram-positive bacteria. Merck Manual Consumer Version.

                    Bush, L. M. (2023). Streptococcal infections. Merck Manual Consumer Version.

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) basics.

                    Gaudard, P., et al. (2019). Acute kidney injury during daptomycin versus vancomycin treatment in cardiovascular critically ill patients: A propensity score matched analysis. BioMed Central Infectious Diseases.

                    Mahjabeen, F., et al. (2022). An update on treatment options for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia: A systematic review. Cureus.

                    MedlinePlus. (2023). Creatine phosphokinase test.

                    MedlinePlus. (2023). Rhabdomyolysis.

                    MedlinePlus. (2023). Staphylococcal infections.

                    Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. (2023). Cubicin RF- daptomycin injection, powder, lyophilized for solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    National Organization for Rare Disorders. (2019). Acute eosinophilic pneumonia.

                    Norris, A. H., et al. (2019). 2018 Infectious Diseases Society of America clinical practice guideline for the management of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy. Clinical Infectious Diseases.

                    Pandey, N., et al. (2023). Beta-lactam antibiotics. StatPearls.

                    Shoemaker, D. M., et al. (2006). A review of daptomycin for injection (Cubicin) in the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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