Comprehensive medication guide to Daptomycin including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
Most insurance plans cover Daptomycin as a specialty medication, though prior authorization and step therapy with Vancomycin may be required.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Generic Daptomycin costs approximately $29–$50 per 500 mg vial, with a full 14-day treatment course running $400–$700 without insurance.
Medfinder Findability Score
45/100
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Daptomycin is a cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic used to treat serious infections caused by gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It was originally marketed under the brand name Cubicin by Merck & Co., though generic versions are now available from multiple manufacturers.
Daptomycin is FDA-approved for:
It is also used off-label for conditions such as osteomyelitis, prosthetic joint infections, VRE infections, and diabetic foot infections. Daptomycin is administered intravenously only and is typically given in hospital or home infusion settings.
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Daptomycin works by binding to bacterial cell membranes in a calcium-dependent process. Once bound, it causes rapid depolarization of the membrane potential, which disrupts the bacteria's ability to produce DNA, RNA, and proteins — all essential for survival. This unique mechanism leads to rapid bacterial cell death.
Additionally, Daptomycin forms a complex with lipid II and phosphatidylglycerol in the bacterial membrane, which inhibits cell wall synthesis. Because of this distinct mechanism of action, Daptomycin remains effective against many bacteria that have developed resistance to other antibiotics, including Vancomycin-resistant strains.
Important: Daptomycin should not be used to treat pneumonia, as it is inactivated by pulmonary surfactant in the lungs.
350 mg vial
Lyophilized powder for injection (single-dose vial)
500 mg vial
Lyophilized powder for injection (single-dose vial)
350 mg/50 mL
Premixed IV solution in 0.9% sodium chloride
500 mg/50 mL
Premixed IV solution in 0.9% sodium chloride
700 mg/100 mL
Premixed IV solution in 0.9% sodium chloride
Daptomycin scores a 45 out of 100 on the Medfinder findability scale, meaning it can be difficult to locate in stock. As an IV-only antibiotic used primarily for serious MRSA and gram-positive infections, Daptomycin is dispensed through hospital pharmacies and specialty/home infusion pharmacies rather than traditional retail pharmacies. Supply disruptions from generic manufacturers have led to intermittent shortages, and some formulations may have limited availability depending on your region. If your provider has prescribed Daptomycin, Medfinder can help you locate a pharmacy that has it in stock near you.
Daptomycin is most commonly prescribed by:
Because Daptomycin requires IV administration, it is typically started in a hospital setting. Patients who continue treatment at home will need coordination with a home infusion pharmacy and nursing service.
No, Daptomycin is not a controlled substance. It is not classified under any DEA schedule. However, it is a prescription-only medication that requires a doctor's order and is administered intravenously in a healthcare setting or through a home infusion service. It cannot be purchased over the counter.
Like all medications, Daptomycin can cause side effects. Common side effects include:
Serious side effects to watch for include:
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects.
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Vancomycin
A glycopeptide antibiotic and first-line treatment for many MRSA infections. Given IV with therapeutic drug monitoring required. Risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
Linezolid
An oxazolidinone antibiotic available in both IV and oral forms. Used for MRSA and VRE infections. Risk of myelosuppression and serotonin syndrome with prolonged use.
Telavancin
A lipoglycopeptide antibiotic given IV for complicated skin infections and hospital-acquired pneumonia caused by gram-positive organisms.
Oritavancin
A lipoglycopeptide antibiotic that can be given as a single-dose IV infusion for acute bacterial skin infections, which may simplify treatment.
Prefer Daptomycin? We can find it.
Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors)
moderateTaking statins with Daptomycin significantly increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Your doctor may temporarily stop your statin medication during Daptomycin therapy.
Tobramycin
moderateMay increase Daptomycin levels in the blood, raising the risk of side effects.
Warfarin
moderateINR should be monitored closely during concurrent use.
Nephrotoxic agents
moderateOther medications that can harm the kidneys may increase the risk of renal impairment when combined with Daptomycin.
Daptomycin is a critically important antibiotic for treating serious gram-positive infections, particularly MRSA bacteremia and complicated skin infections. While generic versions have made it more affordable than the original brand Cubicin, intermittent supply disruptions can make it challenging to find — earning it a findability score of just 45 out of 100.
If you or your healthcare provider are having trouble locating Daptomycin in stock, Medfinder can help you search pharmacies in your area to find availability quickly. For patients facing financial barriers, the Merck Patient Assistance Program at merckhelps.com may provide the medication at no cost to qualifying individuals.
Always work closely with your infectious disease specialist to ensure you receive the right antibiotic therapy for your condition.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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