Uses

This medication is used to treat a variety of serious fungal infections. It is often used in patients who cannot tolerate or who do not respond to the regular amphotericin treatment. It works by stopping the growth of fungi.

How To Use

This medication is usually given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. It should be injected slowly over 2 hours. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.

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.

Side Effects

Fever, shaking, chills, flushing, loss of appetite, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, shortness of breath, or fast breathing may occur 1 to 2 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.

Precautions

Before using amphotericin/lipid complex, 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.

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 (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

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as a phosphate levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

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. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney/liver function, potassium/magnesium levels, complete blood counts) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.