Evaluation of Dalbavancin in Vancomycin Allergic Patients: A Case Series

Abstract

PurposeThere is a paucity of data regarding dalbavancin use in patients with a vancomycin allergy because of potential cross-reactivity between the 2 glycopeptide antibiotics. MethodsA retrospective medical record review was performed between February 2016 and February 2021 in patients with a listed vancomycin allergy who received dalbavancin as an outpatient infusion and had a listed vancomycin allergy in the electronic health record. FindingsThere were 559 unique patients during the study period who received dalbavancin as an outpatient infusion, 10 of whom had a documented vancomycin allergy in the electronic health record. Four of the 10 patients had a history of a type I IgE-mediated reaction to vancomycin, 1 patient reported delayed rash, 2 patients reported a vancomycin infusion reaction, 2 patients reported acute kidney injury, and 1 patient reported intolerance with general malaise. All 10 patients received at least 1 dose of dalbavancin with no reported adverse events. ImplicationsThis case series displays that all patients who received dalbavancin tolerated the infusion well with no adverse events reported. Dalbavancin may be a viable option for patients with a listed vancomycin allergy.