Bacteria are microorganisms that are important for ecological balance, and some of them even participate in functions in the human organism.
The problem is that not all types are beneficial for our body. Some bacteria can cause disease, such as Staphylococcus aureus , which causes, among others, infections in the bloodstream.
For this type of situation, there are some specific drugs and, among them, Cubicin.
Contents
What is the medicine Cubicin and what is the laboratory?
Cubicin is one of the trade names of the active ingredient Daptomycin, an antibacterial medication used to treat infections of the skin, blood and tissues, caused by some bacteria.
It is indicated for diseases in which the causative bacteria are resistant to other antibacterials such as Methicillin, Vancomycin and Linezolid.
It is manufactured by Merck Sharp and Dohme – pharmaceutical laboratory – and administered intravenously (into the vein).
What is cubicin for?
Cubicin is used for the treatment of complicated infections of the skin and tissues below it and bloodstream infections caused by some bacteria in adults.
It is also used to treat infections in the tissue that lines the inner part of the heart.
Specifically, it serves to:
Skin and soft tissue infections
Cubicin works to improve complicated infections in the skin and tissues located below the skin, caused by some gram-positive bacteria.
If there are infections caused by another type of bacteria (such as gram-negative), treatment can be carried out along with other medications, according to medical assessments.
Infections in the bloodstream and internal tissue of the heart
Cubicin acts against infections in the bloodstream and internal tissue of the heart, caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive).
The drug is only active in combating gram-positive bacteria.
If there are infections caused by another type of bacteria, such as gram-negative bacteria, for example, there is the possibility of carrying out the treatment in conjunction with other drugs.
What is the mechanism of action of active ingredient Daptomycin?
The active ingredient Daptomycin is a substance that has antibacterial action, that is, it acts to fight bacteria.
It binds to the bacterial membrane and causes a depolarization of the membrane potential, that is, it allows the increase of sodium entry into the cell.
This causes the inhibition of the production of DNA, RNA and proteins in the bacteria (substances essential for survival), which causes the death of the microorganism.
How does a bull indicate to apply Cubicin?
Cubicin is a medicine for intravenous administration, that is, applied to the vein.
According to the package insert, it must be applied via injection, for a period of 2 minutes, or via infusion lasting approximately 30 minutes.
In both cases, the drug must be reconstituted by properly trained people in an appropriate environment to obtain a concentration of 50mg / mL.
For each route of administration, the steps are:
Administration via intravenous injection
For the preparation and application intravenously, it is necessary that the professional perform only the reconstitution of the medication. For that, there are some steps. They are:
- Remove the bottle cap, leaving the rubber seal exposed;
- Clean the top of the cork with alcohol-soaked cotton and wait for it to dry;
- Transfer 10mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride to the flask, through the rubber closure center;
- Check that all the Cubicin powder has been moistened by the liquid;
- Let the solution rest for approximately 10 minutes;
- For the solution to be completely reconstituted, make gentle circular movements with the vial, for a few minutes;
- Remove the liquid from the bottle with a needle;
- Perform the application for a time of 2 minutes.
The materials, after use, must be disposed of in an appropriate place.
During or after reconstitution, it is important to avoid sudden shaking of the vial.
Administration via intravenous infusion
For application via infusion, in addition to reconstitution, it is necessary for the professional to dilute the solution. For this, the steps are:
- Remove the bottle cap, leaving the rubber seal exposed;
- Clean the top of the rubber stopper with cotton wool dipped in alcohol and wait for it to dry;
- Transfer 10mL of 0.9% sodium chloride to the flask, through the rubber closure center;
- Ensure that all Cubicin powder is moistened by the liquid;
- Let the solution rest for 10 minutes;
- For the solution to be completely reconstituted, make gentle circular movements with the vial, for a few minutes;
- Dilute the solution with 0.9% sodium chloride until the concentration of 50mg / mL is reached;
- Perform the application for a period of 30 minutes.
After being used, the materials must be disposed of in an appropriate place.
How to dilute Cubicin?
The dilution process consists of reducing the concentration of a solution by mixing it with some diluent. In the case of Cubicin, the diluent used is 0.9% sodium chloride. To carry out the process, there are some steps to be followed by professionals.
They are:
- Transfer the reconstituted solution to a syringe;
- In the same syringe, aspirate the amount defined by the responsible physician, 0.9% sodium chloride.
After mixing both liquids in the syringe, the dilution is ready.
What is the dosage?
For adult patients, according to the package insert, Cubicin must have different dosages for each disease.
For skin and soft tissue infections, application is indicated once every 24 hours, for a period of 7 to 14 days, or until the infection is eliminated.
For bloodstream infections, the drug should be administered once every 24 hours, for a period of 2 to 6 weeks.
It is not recommended to administer the medication more than once a day.
Despite the indications, always follow the guidance of a professional.
What are the side effects?
Like other medicines, Cubicin can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Common reactions to occur can be:
- Fungal infections (caused by fungi);
- Anxiety;
- Insomnia;
- Anemia;
- Infection of the urinary tract ;
- Dizziness;
- Headache ;
- Abdominal pain;
- High or low blood pressure;
- Vomiting;
- Gases;
- Diarrhea;
- Constipation;
- Rash;
- Itch;
- Abdominal swelling;
- Fever;
- Pain in the arms;
- Pain in the legs;
- Weakness;
- Redness at the infusion site.
Some unusual reactions , but which can occur, are:
- Increase or decrease in the number of platelets in the blood;
- Increase in white blood cells;
- Inflammation of the lymph nodes;
- Tremors;
- Blush;
- Goosebumps;
- Vaginal candidiasis ;
- Oral candidiasis;
- Decreased appetite;
- Eye irritation;
- Fatigue;
- Dry mouth;
- Skin inflammation;
- Muscle cramps;
- Cardiac arrest;
- Buzz;
- Low concentration of magnesium in the blood (hypomagnesia);
- Hallucination;
- Changes in mental status;
- Disorders of renal function;
- Indigestion;
- Pain in muscles and joints;
- Tingling in the hands and feet.
The effects of unknown frequency found in the package insert are:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes ;
- Numbness in arms and legs;
- Burning sensation in the arms and legs;
- Rash;
- Cough,
In addition, there are some serious symptoms that, if they occur, should be reported to the responsible physician immediately. They are:
- Chest pain or tightness;
- Panting;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Cough ;
- Fever;
- Redness;
- Skin rashes and hives;
- Red spots with pus on the skin;
- Swelling of the face, neck and throat;
- Fainting.
Despite the reactions listed, it is worth remembering that each organism reacts differently to the medication. Thus, not all patients will necessarily suffer from side effects.
Daptomycin and vancomycin: what are they for and what are the differences?
Both Daptomycin and Vancomycin are active ingredients used to fight infections caused by bacteria, however, they have some differences between them.
Vancomycin, in addition to treating infections of the skin, bloodstream and tissues of the heart, also works to combat pneumonia and bone infections, diseases that are not treated by Daptomycin.
In addition, administration is a difference between drugs.
While Daptomycin has the option via the application injection or intravenous infusion, the vancomycin is only administered by infusion, i.e., drop by drop into the vein.
The dosage of the drugs is also different, so the concentrations and frequencies of use indicated by the doctor, in general, will also be.
What is the price of Cubicin and where to buy cheaper?
The price of Cubicin may vary according to the geographic region and establishment of purchase.
In general, its value is approximately R $ 1899 * and can be found in physical pharmacies and online.
* Prices consulted in February 2020. Prices may change.
If there is a need to compare prices, there is the possibility of using the Consulta Remédios website , which indicates the values of medicines in different pharmacies in each region.
In addition, it is possible to make the purchase directly on the platform, thus choosing the most economical option.
Does Daptomycin have in the SUS?
No . The active ingredient Daptomycin is not part of the National List of Essential Medicines (Rename), that is, the list of drugs directly distributed by SUS.
Despite this, in cases where the patient has a medical prescription and cannot afford the drug, there is the possibility to request treatment coverage by the State, going to court.
For that, it is necessary to open a judicial process and present some documents such as medical report and the drug budget in 3 different pharmacies.
Is it approved by ANVISA?
-Yeah . Cubicin had its first registration with the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) in 2008, by the pharmaceutical company Novartis.
After his license expired, he was registered again in 2017, by the pharmaceutical laboratory Merck Sharp and Dohme.
How to budget Cubicin?
For cases in which the patient receives a medical prescription and is unable to afford the treatment, it is possible to request the medication coverage by the State.
For that, it is necessary to open a judicial process and present some documents. Between them:
- Medical report;
- Exams;
- Standard requirement;
- Budget in 3 different pharmacies.
For the realization of the budget, it is possible to obtain assistance in advising on the quotation of high-cost medications, which makes a personalized quotation simply and quickly. Just access the link and fill in the necessary data.
Bacteria are microorganisms that are important for the health of our body. However, some of them can cause disease in humans.
This is the case with some inflammation of the skin and blood. To treat and alleviate the symptoms of this type of problem, there are medications like Cubicin.
Want to know more about medications ? The Healthy Minute has more complete content for you! Keep reading!
