AMPHOTERICIN - INJECTION

AMPHOTERICIN - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (AM-foe-TER-i-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Fungizone

GENERIC NAME(S): amphotericin B

Uses

USES: See also Warning section. This medication is used to treat a variety of serious, possibly fatal fungal infections. It works by stopping the growth of fungi.


How to use AMPHOTERICIN - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: This medication is usually given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually given once a day or every other day. It should be injected slowly over 2 to 6 hours. Your doctor may give you a smaller dose first to test your response to the medication. Dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, response to the test dose, and response to therapy. If this medication is stopped for 7 days or longer, then it should be restarted at the lowest dose and slowly increased. If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. It may be necessary to continue this medication for several weeks to several months in order to treat certain infections. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Fever, shaking, chills, flushing, loss of appetite, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, shortness of breath, or fast breathing may occur 1 to 3 hours after the infusion is started. In some cases, other medications (e.g., acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone) may be necessary to prevent or relieve these side effects. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: swelling/pain at injection site, muscle/joint pain, unusual tiredness, weakness, muscle cramping, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, painful urination), numbness/tingling of arms/legs, vision changes, hearing changes (e.g., ringing in the ears), dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, swelling ankles/feet, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, cold sweats, blue lips, easy bruising/bleeding, other signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), mental/mood changes, seizures, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using amphotericin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: white blood cell (leukocyte) transfusions, heart disease (e.g., irregular heartbeat, congestive heart failure), liver disease, kidney disease. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: anti-cancer drugs (e.g., mechlorethamine, nitrogen mustard), azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), cidofovir, digoxin, flucytosine, medications that affect the kidneys (e.g., pentamidine, tacrolimus, aminoglycosides such as gentamicin), muscle relaxants (e.g., tubocurarine), zidovudine.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: dizziness, fainting, slow heartbeat, trouble breathing.

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Faq for AMPHOTERICIN - INJECTION

Amphotericin injection is an antifungal medication used to treat serious fungal infections, including those that are life-threatening.

Amphotericin works by binding to a component of fungal cell membranes, disrupting their structure and function. This leads to the death of the fungal cells and helps to control or eliminate the infection.

Common side effects of Amphotericin injection may include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle or joint pain, and loss of appetite. It may also cause changes in blood pressure or electrolyte levels.

Amphotericin injection is usually given through a vein (intravenous) by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the specific infection being treated and the individual patient's condition.

In most cases, Amphotericin injection is administered in a hospital or clinic due to the need for close monitoring and the potential for serious side effects. However, in some cases, healthcare providers may teach patients or their caregivers to administer the medication at home under specific guidelines.

Amphotericin injection should not be used in individuals with known hypersensitivity to the medication. Caution should be exercised in patients with kidney problems, electrolyte imbalances, or liver disease. It may interact with certain medications, so it is important to inform your healthcare provider about any other drugs you are taking.

The onset of action can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the individual's response to the medication. Improvement in symptoms may be seen within a few days to a few weeks of starting treatment.

Amphotericin injection is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. It may pass into breast milk, so breastfeeding should be avoided during treatment.

If a dose is missed, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible for guidance. It is important not to double the dose to make up for a missed one.


Warning

WARNING: Amphotericin should be used only to treat serious, possibly fatal fungal infections. This medication should not be used for less severe infections in limited areas of the body (e.g., fungal infection of the mouth/esophagus, vaginal yeast infections) in patients with normal white blood cell counts.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.