Why is this medication prescribed?

Cubicin RF is prescribed for the treatment of certain bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of antibiotics called lipopeptides and works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: It is used to treat complicated skin and soft tissue infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
• Bacteremia: It is also used for Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections (bacteremia), including those with right-sided infective endocarditis, when caused by MRSA or methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus.

How should this medicine be used?

Cubicin RF is typically administered intravenously (IV), which means it’s given directly into the bloodstream through a vein. Here are the general guidelines for its use:

• Administration: Cubicin RF is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion. It should be given over a period of 30 minutes.
• Dosage: The dosage depends on the type and severity of the infection being treated, as well as the patient’s weight and kidney function. It is typically administered once daily.
• Preparation: The medication is supplied as a powder in a vial, which needs to be reconstituted with sterile water before administration. It should be used immediately after reconstitution.
• Duration: The duration of treatment varies depending on the infection being treated and the response to therapy. It is important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
• Monitoring: Patients receiving Cubicin RF may need to have their kidney function monitored regularly, as the medication can affect renal function.
• Storage: Cubicin RF should be stored at room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F). It should be protected from light and kept out of the reach of children.

It’s crucial to follow the exact instructions given by the healthcare provider regarding the dosage, administration, and duration of Cubicin RF treatment to ensure effective treatment and minimize the risk of side effects or bacterial resistance.

Other uses for this medicine

• Pneumonia: It may be used in the treatment of pneumonia caused by Gram-positive bacteria, particularly MRSA.
• Bone and Joint Infections: Infections involving bones or joints caused by susceptible bacteria.
• Endocarditis: Infections of the heart valves (endocarditis) caused by susceptible bacteria.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for Cubicin RF:

• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider if you have any allergies to daptomycin or any other medications.
• Kidney Function: Since daptomycin is primarily eliminated by the kidneys, it is important to monitor kidney function before and during treatment. Dose adjustments may be necessary in patients with impaired renal function.
• Muscle Toxicity: Rarely, daptomycin can cause muscle toxicity, which may manifest as muscle pain or weakness. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience such symptoms.
• Interaction with Statins: Daptomycin may increase the risk of muscle toxicity when used with statin medications (used to lower cholesterol). Your healthcare provider should be aware if you are taking statins.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of daptomycin in pregnant women has not been well established. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known whether daptomycin passes into breast milk; consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood counts, liver function tests, and kidney function tests may be required during treatment with Cubicin RF.
• Superinfections: Use of antibiotics, including Cubicin RF, may result in the overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms (superinfections) such as Clostridium difficile, leading to diarrhea. Inform your doctor if you develop persistent diarrhea during or after treatment.
• Storage: Follow storage instructions carefully to ensure the medication remains effective.

Always adhere strictly to your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the use of Cubicin RF to ensure optimal treatment outcomes and to minimize the risk of adverse effects or interactions with other medications.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with daptomycin. However, it is always advisable to maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated during treatment with antibiotics.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• If it’s close to the time for your next dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• If it’s almost time for your next dose: Skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Cubicin RF (Daptomycin for Injection) can cause several side effects, some of which can be serious. It’s important to be aware of these potential side effects and to promptly inform your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions. Common side effects of Cubicin RF include:

• Injection Site Reactions: Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Headache: Mild to moderate headaches.
• Changes in Laboratory Tests: Possible changes in certain blood tests, such as liver function tests or blood cell counts.
• Fever: Low-grade fever.
• Rash: Skin rash or itching.
• Elevations in Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK): This is an enzyme found in muscles. Elevated CPK levels may indicate muscle injury, though severe muscle toxicity is rare.
• Hypersensitivity Reactions: Allergic reactions can occur, including rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any signs of a serious allergic reaction.
• Muscle Toxicity: Rarely, daptomycin can cause muscle toxicity, which may present as muscle pain or weakness. Inform your doctor promptly if you experience muscle symptoms.
• Superinfections: Use of antibiotics like daptomycin can lead to the overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms such as Clostridium difficile, causing diarrhea.
• Renal Effects: In some cases, daptomycin may cause changes in kidney function. This is usually mild and reversible upon discontinuation of the medication.
• Other Rare Side Effects: Other less common side effects may include liver problems, abnormal heart rhythms, and inflammation of the colon.

It’s important to note that while these side effects are possible, not everyone will experience them. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for any potential side effects and adjust treatment as needed. If you experience any unusual or bothersome symptoms while taking Cubicin RF, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider promptly for advice.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Cubicin RF:

• Storage:
  • Cubicin RF (Daptomycin for Injection) should be stored at room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
  • Keep the vials protected from light.
  • Do not freeze.
  • Keep out of reach of children.
• Disposal:
  • Unused or expired Cubicin RF should be disposed of properly according to local regulations.
  • Do not dispose of medications in wastewater or household waste unless specifically instructed to do so.
  • Consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider for proper disposal instructions.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of an emergency or suspected overdose of Cubicin RF, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center (1-800-222-1222 in the United States). Symptoms of overdose may include severe muscle weakness or pain, difficulty breathing, and changes in heart rhythm.

What other information should I know?

• Effectiveness: Take Cubicin RF exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip doses or stop taking the medication early, even if you start to feel better, unless instructed to do so by your doctor.
• Follow-up: Your doctor may perform regular tests to monitor your response to Cubicin RF and check for any side effects.
• Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medications may interact with Cubicin RF, affecting how it works or increasing the risk of side effects.
• Allergic Reactions: If you develop signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing while taking Cubicin RF, seek immediate medical attention.
• Missed Doses: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Discuss with your healthcare provider the risks and benefits of using Cubicin RF if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Dietary Instructions: There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Cubicin RF. Maintain a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids as recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Storage: Keep Cubicin RF in its original packaging until it is time to use it. Protect it from light and store it at room temperature.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and ask any questions you may have about Cubicin RF or your treatment plan.