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 (including acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone) may be necessary to prevent or relieve these side effects. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor 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 (such as 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 (such as sore throat that doesn’t go away, fever), mental/mood changes, seizures, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away 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.

Uses

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 B Vial

This medication is usually given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually 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. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, response to the test dose, and response to treatment. 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 lasts or gets worse.

Warnings

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 (such as fungal infection of the mouth/esophagus, vaginal yeast infections) in patients with normal white blood cell counts.

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 (such as mechlorethamine, nitrogen mustard), azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole), cidofovir, digoxin, flucytosine, medications that affect the kidneys (including pentamidine, tacrolimus, aminoglycosides such as gentamicin), muscle relaxants (such as tubocurarine), zidovudine.

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 (such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure), liver disease, kidney disease.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

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.