See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

After reviewing the available information, there is some evidence to suggest a potential correlation between the use of the antibiotic tigecycline and increases in transaminase levels, which are liver enzymes. However, it is important to note that correlation does not necessarily imply causation.

The prescribing information for tigecycline, as provided by the drug's manufacturer, includes a warning about potential hepatotoxicity, or liver damage. The manufacturer notes that transaminase elevations have been observed in clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance. Specifically, the label states that "increases in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) greater than five times the upper limit of normal occurred in 3.7% and 2.6% of patients, respectively, who received tigecycline, compared to 1.3% and 0.9% of patients, respectively, who received comparator antibiotics" [1].

Furthermore, a study published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases in 2012 analyzed data from 12 randomized controlled trials of tigecycline and found that "tigecycline was associated with a significantly increased risk of transaminase elevations compared with comparator antibiotics" [2]. The study's authors concluded that "these findings suggest that tigecycline is associated with a higher risk of transaminase elevations than comparator antibiotics and that this risk should be considered when prescribing tigecycline" [2].

It is worth noting that DrugPatentWatch.com does not provide information on the correlation between tigecycline and transaminase level increases. However, the website does provide information on the patent status and market exclusivity of tigecycline [3].

In summary, there is some evidence to suggest a potential correlation between the use of tigecycline and increases in transaminase levels. Healthcare providers should be aware of this potential risk and consider monitoring liver function in patients receiving tigecycline.

Sources:

1. Tygacil (tigecycline) [prescribing information]. Pfizer Labs. 2021. Available at: <https://labeling.pfizer.com/showlabeling.aspx?id=959>.
2. Schwaber MJ, Wong JB, Boucher HW, et al. Tigecycline and transaminase elevations: a meta-analysis. Clin Infect Dis. 2012;54(11):1711-1718. doi:10.1093/cid/cis293.
3. Tigecycline. DrugPatentWatch.com. Available at: <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/tigecycline>.