Evaluating the Use of Dalbavancin for Off-Label Indications

Abstract

(1) Background: Dalbavancin is a long-acting lipoglycopeptide antibiotic approved for skin and soft-tissue infections. Post-marketing experience suggests dalbavancin is being used for off-label indications that normally require long-term intravenous (IV) antibiotics; however, data assessing this off-label usage are limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the real-world efficacy, safety, and financial impact of off-label dalbavancin use. (2) Methods: This is a retrospective, observational study conducted within a 4-hospital health system. Adult patients who received dalbavancin from January 2018 to January 2021 for an off-label indication were included. The primary outcome was clinical success at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included safety (nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity). A pharmacoeconomic analysis was performed by comparing the cost of dalbavancin to the anticipated cost of patient stay if standard IV therapy was given. (3) Results: Forty-eight patients met study criteria. Indications included osteomyelitis (54%), endocarditis (23%), bacteremia (15%), and prosthetic joint infection (8%). The predominant organism was S. aureus (60%), with 42% caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Overall, 41 (85%) patients achieved clinical success at 90 days, including 85% with osteomyelitis, 82% with endocarditis, and 86% with bacteremia. There were no instances of nephrotoxicity or hepatotoxicity. Estimated cost avoidance per patient was USD 5313 and USD 1683 if traditional IV therapy would have been completed in the hospital and skilled nursing facility, respectively. (4) Conclusion: Dalbavancin was associated with a relatively high success rate for the treatment of off-label indications and may be a cost-effective alternative to traditional IV antibiotic therapy.

Keywords

• dalbavancin
• osteomyelitis
• endocarditis
• bacteremia
• pharmacoeconomics
• cohort studies