Does Sivextro Treat Skin Infections?
No, Sivextro (tedizolid phosphate) does not treat skin infections. The FDA approves it solely for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA), Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus anginosus Group, and Enterococcus faecalis.[1] ABSSSI covers conditions like cellulitis, wound infections, and major abscesses, but Sivextro is not indicated for non-bacterial skin issues, fungal infections, or viral conditions like herpes or shingles.
What Infections Does Sivextro Actually Treat?
Sivextro targets only ABSSSI in adults, administered as a 200 mg daily IV or oral dose for 6 days. It lacks approval for pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or other skin-related issues beyond ABSSSI. Clinical trials showed non-inferiority to linezolid, with 200 mg tedizolid matching 600 mg linezolid twice daily in cure rates (92% vs. 91% early response).[1][2]
How Does Sivextro Compare to Other Skin Infection Drugs?
| Drug | Key Uses | Dosing for ABSSSI | MRSA Coverage |
|------|----------|-------------------|---------------|
| Sivextro (tedizolid) | ABSSSI only | 200 mg daily x 6 days (IV/oral) | Yes |
| Linezolid (Zyvox) | ABSSSI, pneumonia | 600 mg twice daily x 10-14 days (IV/oral) | Yes |
| Vancomycin | ABSSSI, serious MRSA | Weight-based IV infusion | Yes |
| Daptomycin (Cubicin) | ABSSSI, bacteremia | 4 mg/kg IV daily | Yes |
| Clindamycin | Mild skin infections | Oral 300-450 mg 3-4x daily | Variable |
Sivextro offers shorter treatment and fewer daily doses than linezolid, with lower myelosuppression risk, but it's more expensive and limited to ABSSSI.[2]
Common Side Effects and Patient Concerns
Patients report nausea (8%), headache (6%), diarrhea (4%), and vomiting (3%). Rare risks include Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and serotonin syndrome with certain antidepressants. It's pregnancy category C; use caution in renal impairment.[1]
Availability, Pricing, and Patent Status
Merck markets Sivextro. A 6-day course costs $3,000-$4,000 without insurance. U.S. patents expire around 2027-2031; check DrugPatentWatch.com for challenges or generics.[3]
[1]: FDA Label for Sivextro (tedizolid phosphate). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/205435s000lbl.pdf
[2]: Prokocimer P et al. N Engl J Med. 2013;368(12):1152-1161.
[3]: DrugPatentWatch.com. Sivextro patents.