Amphotericin B Lipid Formulations injections

What is amphotericin B injection?

AMPHOTERICIN B (Abelcet®, AmBisome®, Amphotec®) treats serious fungus infections throughout the body. Generic amphotericin B lipid formulations are not available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive amphotericin B?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• anemia

• kidney disease

• fluid and electrolyte disorders (problems with the amount of water and salts in the body)

• other chronic illness

• an unusual or allergic reaction to amphotericin B, other antibiotics, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Amphotericin B lipid formulation solutions are infused into a vein. You will usually receive this medication in a hospital or clinic setting. If you do receive the medication at home, you will receive special instructions from your prescriber or health care professional. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you feel better. Do not stop receiving the medication except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with amphotericin B?

• certain antibiotics given by injection

• cyclosporine

• digoxin

• dofetilide

• hormones such as prednisone or cortisone

• medicines for cancer chemotherapy

• other medicines for fungal or yeast infections

• pentamidine

• torsemide

• vancomycin

• water pills

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking amphotericin B?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in a few days.

Keep a check on your urine output. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you notice any changes.

After your course of treatment is finished, you may still get some side effects.

What side effects may I notice from receiving amphotericin B?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

Rare or uncommon:

• blurred vision

• chest tightness

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• sore throat with fever

• seizures (convulsions)

• shortness of breath, wheezing

• skin rash, itching

• tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

• unusual bleeding or bruising

More common:

• fever or chills

• headache

• increase or decrease in the amount of urine

• irregular heart beat (palpitations)

• muscle cramps or pain

• nausea, vomiting

• pain at the injection site

• pain or difficulty passing urine

• unusual tiredness or weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• indigestion

• loss of appetite

• stomach pain

Where can I keep my medicine?

Store diluted solutions according to your prescriber's or pharmacist's instructions until use, out of the reach of children. Throw away any unused medicine or medicine that has past the expiration date.