Name of the Procedure:

Injection, oritavancin, 10 mg (HCPCS code J2407)

Summary

Oritavancin is a powerful antibiotic administered via injection to treat serious bacterial infections. This procedure involves giving a precise dose of 10 milligrams of oritavancin through a needle, usually into a vein (intravenous).

Purpose

The injection is primarily used to treat acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) caused by certain specific bacteria. The goal is to eliminate the bacterial infection and alleviate associated symptoms such as pain, redness, and swelling.

Indications

• Acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI)
• Conditions where bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant MRSA) and Streptococcus pyogenes are present
• Patients who might not respond well to other antibiotics or who need a potent, single-dose treatment

Preparation

• Patients may need to inform their healthcare provider about any allergies or other medications they are taking.
• No specific fasting or dietary restrictions are generally required.
• Baseline diagnostic tests like blood cultures might be conducted to confirm the bacterial infection.

Procedure Description

1. The healthcare professional will prepare a sterile injection site, usually located on the arm.
2. An intravenous (IV) line is inserted into the vein.
3. The oritavancin solution is infused over a period, typically taking around 3 hours.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 3 hours for the infusion to complete.

Setting

Usually performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or infusion center.

Personnel

• Physicians or infectious disease specialists
• Registered nurses or trained infusion nurses
• Pharmacists for preparation of the medication

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Possible pain or irritation at the injection site, headache, nausea, or dizziness.
• Rare Risks: Serious allergic reactions, vein inflammation (phlebitis), or anaphylactic shock. Immediate medical attention may be required for these complications.

Benefits

• Fast-acting and effective against several serious bacterial infections
• Single-dose infusion, making it more convenient compared to multiple-dose regimens
• Rapid alleviation of infection-related symptoms, usually within a few days

Recovery

• Patients are generally monitored briefly after the infusion.
• No significant downtime is typically required.
• Instructions for caring for the injection site and recognizing signs of complications will be provided.
• A follow-up appointment or communication with the healthcare provider might be required to assess the treatment’s effectiveness.

Alternatives

• Other antibiotics, both oral and intravenous, depending on the specific bacteria and patient’s health condition
• Benefits of oritavancin include fewer doses compared to traditional antibiotics, though some alternatives might be less expensive or have a different side effect profile.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure: Patients might feel a slight pinch when the IV needle is inserted, and otherwise just need to sit comfortably during the infusion.
• After the procedure: Some mild discomfort at the injection site is possible; pain management may include over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Any discomfort usually resolves quickly, and patients can typically resume normal activities almost immediately.