New antibiotic was approved by FDA for lung infection treatment
Xenleta (lefamulin), a new antibiotic manufactured by Nabriva Therapeutics, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating lung infection on August 19, 2019.
A study pointed out the lack of development of new antibiotics due to financial issues. This has became a big problem for the drug industry in recent years. At the same time, the antibiotic resistance in bacteria is growing.
The data found that about one million people came to hospital for lung infection treatment and 50,000 people die from the disease every year in the United States.
Lefamulin was initially studied in skin infection but was approved by FDA for treating lung infection. One trial found that lefamulin is well tolerated with some side effects include vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea and increased liver enzymes. The other study found that stomach upset might be alleviated by taking the drug with food, however, further investigation is warranted.
This medication can affect heart rate/rhythm and need to be used cautiously in patients have problem with irregular heart beat/rhythm. The medication has harmful effects to fetus from an animal study, therefore pregnant women should avoid using this drug. For non-pregnant young female should be told to use birth control pill during treatment with Xenleta and for two days after the final dose.
For more information, please visit FDA.
Questions: Are you worried about growing antibiotic resistance? What are your biggest concerns about this new therapy?
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