Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

AMPHOTERICIN INJECTION

(am-foh-TAIR-eh-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Amphocin, Fungizone

WARNING: Amphotericin should be used to treat only serious fungal infections. Do not use this medication for less severe infections such as oral thrush (white spots in the mouth), vaginal yeast infections, throat infections (esophageal), nor for localized (not spread throughout the body) fungal infections in people with a normal white blood count.

Uses

This medication is used to treat a fungal infection.

How To Use

This medication is administered by infusion into a vein by a health care professional. It is usually given once a day or every other day. It may be necessary to continue therapy with this medication for several weeks to months in certain cases. Stopping therapy too soon may result in ineffective treatment.

Side Effects

Fever and chills may occur 1 to 2 hours after the infusion is started. This is more common with the first few doses and should subside as therapy continues. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, muscle aches, headache and irritation at the injection site may also occur. To help minimize these effects, you may be given a pain reliever or other medication before each dose. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor promptly if you experience: irregular or rapid heartbeat, severe weakness, vision changes, tingling of the hands or feet, ringing in the ears, trouble urinating. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, any allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Use of this medication is not recommended while breast-feeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any nonprescription or prescription medication you may take particularly: steroids (e.g., prednisone), digoxin, cyclosporine, anti-cancer medications, other anti-fungal drugs, tacrolimus. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, unusually slow heartbeat, or seizures.

Notes

This medication is usually first given in a hospital setting where your condition and response can be closely monitored. Laboratory tests and blood counts will be done routinely while taking this to monitor its effects and prevent side effects.

Missed Dose

It is important to use each dose as scheduled. If you miss a dose, contact your health care provider who will help establish a new dose schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Unopened vials should be refrigerated. Once prepared, the reconstituted vial (of concentrated solution 5mg/ml) may be refrigerated for up to 7 days. At room temperature it is stable for only 24 hours and must be protected from light. Solutions diluted for infusion (0.1mg/ml or less) should be used promptly after mixing and should be protected from light during administration. Check the expiration date on the label and properly discard of any unused medication after that time.