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Overview: Pivya is an antibiotic that is used to treat certain urinary tract infections (UTIs). It kills some types of bacteria by blocking their ability to create their cell wall. The most common side effects are nausea and diarrhea. Stop taking Pivya and get medical help right away if you get a rash, hives, or have trouble breathing, as these could be signs of a serious allergic reaction. Pivya is a tablet that is taken by mouth.

Uses

What is Pivya used for?

Pivya (pivmecillinam) is commonly used to treat certain urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Pivya may not be the right medicine for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to Pivya, which will make it not work as well.

Pivya may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Pivya work (mechanism of action)?

Pivya is an antibiotic. It kills certain types of bacteria by blocking their ability to create their cell wall.

How is Pivya supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Pivya

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 185 mg oral tablets

How should I store Pivya?

Pivya should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep Pivya in its blister pack until you are ready to take each dose.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Pivya?

The most common side effects of Pivya are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea (see below)

There may be other side effects of Pivya that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Pivya?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Pivya are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Pivya may cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. It is also sometimes called multi-organ hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body, including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop taking the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, or throat tightness
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain
  • Dark-colored pee
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Severe Skin Reactions. Pivya can cause severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which can lead to death if not treated. If you get a rash, stop taking Pivya and call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes
  • Flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, and muscle aches

Low Carnitine Levels. Some people taking Pivya have had low carnitine levels. The risk is higher in people who take Pivya for a long time or are at risk for low carnitine levels, such as people with kidney problems, low muscle mass, or those taking certain medicines. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of low carnitine levels. 

  • Muscle aches
  • Tiredness
  • Confusion
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may cause symptoms such as crankiness, anxiety, hunger, dizziness, blurry vision, slurred speech, sweating, or feeling jittery or shaky

Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including Pivya. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, which can happen even up to two months after stopping the antibiotic. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.

  • Watery diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Blood in your stool (poop)
  • Severe stomach cramps
  • Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Pivya?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Pivya.

  • Pivmecillinam
  • Pivya
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Pivya.

Carnitine Deficiency. Pivya should not be taken if you have a carnitine deficiency, which is a condition where your body does not have enough carnitine. Carnitine helps your body make energy. Carnitine deficiency can happen with certain genetic conditions. Ask your health care provider if you are not sure whether you have a carnitine deficiency.

Porphyria. Pivya should not be taken if you have porphyria. Porphyria is a group of genetic disorders that can affect your skin and/or nervous system. Tell your health care provider if you have porphyria.

What should I know about Pivya before using it?

Do not take Pivya unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Pivya with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Pivya out of the reach of children.

Pivya only treats certain infections caused by bacteria. It will not treat infections caused by viruses, such as the common cold, the flu, or coronavirus. It also will not work for any other infections that are not caused by bacteria. Taking Pivya or any other antibiotic when it is not needed may cause the antibiotic to not work for bacterial infections in the future.

If you take Pivya while you are pregnant, it may affect the results of certain lab tests in your newborn. Before giving birth, tell all of your health care providers if you took Pivya.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Pivya?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Pivya is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Kidney problems
  • Low muscle mass
  • An allergy to a beta-lactam antibiotic, such as a penicillin or cephalosporin

Other Medicines and Supplements. Pivya may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Pivya, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Pivya could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Pivya while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Pivya passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Pivya while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Pivya?

For more information about Pivya, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at pivya.com or call them at 888-353-3180.

Interactions

Does Pivya interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Pivya and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Pivya, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infections.

Does Pivya interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Pivya.

  • Divalproex sodium, valproate sodium (Depakote and others), or valproic acid, which are medicines used for seizures and other conditions
  • Methotrexate (Trexall and others), which is a medicine commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis or certain types of cancer

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Pivya. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Pivya?

If you or someone else has used too much Pivya, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Pivya?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of Pivya, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk of future infections being resistant to Pivya or other similar medicines.