Name of the Procedure:

Injection, dalbavancin, 5 mg
Common name(s): Dalbavancin Injection
Technical/Medical term: HCPCS J0875

Summary

Dalbavancin injection is a medical procedure where dalbavancin, an antibiotic, is administered through an injection to treat bacterial infections, particularly those affecting the skin and soft tissues. Dalbavancin is a type of medication known as a lipoglycopeptide antibiotic, which is effective against certain types of bacteria.

Purpose

Dalbavancin injection is primarily used to treat severe bacterial infections such as acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). The goal of this procedure is to effectively eliminate the infection, reduce symptoms, and prevent the spread of the bacterial infection to other parts of the body.

Indications

• Specific Symptoms/Conditions: Redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the skin; fever or chills indicating infection.
• Patient Criteria: Patients diagnosed with ABSSSI, including complicated skin infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, particularly drug-resistant strains.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions: Generally, no specific preparations such as fasting are required. However, patients should inform their healthcare provider about any allergies or medications they are currently taking.
• Diagnostic Tests: Blood tests or cultures may be required to identify the specific bacteria and determine sensitivity to dalbavancin.

Procedure Description

1. Step-by-Step Explanation:
   • A healthcare professional will clean the injection site.
   • Dalbavancin is administered intravenously (IV) over a 30-minute period.
   • The dosage is based on the patient's medical condition and response to treatment.
2. Tools and Equipment: IV catheter, syringe, and the dalbavancin medication.
3. Anesthesia or Sedation: Generally, no anesthesia or sedation is required.

Duration

The actual injection process takes approximately 30 minutes.

Setting

The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient clinic, hospital, or a specialized infusion center.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals: Nurse or physician skilled in intravenous (IV) administration.
• Supervising Physician: Typically, an infectious disease specialist or a healthcare provider familiar with antibiotic therapies.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Mild to moderate side effects such as headache, nausea, or diarrhea.
• Rare Risks: Severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, or vein irritation at the injection site.
• Possible Complications and Management: In the event of an allergic reaction, immediate medical treatment will be provided, which may include antihistamines or steroids.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Rapid and effective treatment of bacterial infections.
• Onset of Benefits: Improvement in symptoms can be noticed within a few days of the injection.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care: Patients should monitor for any side effects and report them to their healthcare provider. Normal activities can generally be resumed immediately unless otherwise instructed.
• Expected Recovery Time: Rapid improvement of infection symptoms, typically within days.
• Follow-up Appointments: Follow up is essential to ensure the infection has cleared and to monitor for any adverse reactions.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options: Oral antibiotics, other intravenous antibiotics.
• Pros and Cons: Oral antibiotics are less invasive but might be less effective for severe infections compared to dalbavancin. Alternative IV antibiotics may have similar effectiveness but different side-effect profiles.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: Patients might feel a slight sting or pinch at the IV insertion site. The procedure is generally well-tolerated.
• Pain Management and Comfort Measures: Local skin numbing agents can be used for insertion site discomfort. Any discomforts are typically minimal and temporary.