AMPHOCIN

Drug Name: AMPHOCIN

AMPHOCIN DESCRIPTION:
AMPHOTERICIN INJECTION (am-foh-TAIR-eh-sin)

COMMON AMPHOCIN BRAND NAME(S):
Amphocin, Fungizone

AMPHOCIN 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.

HOW TO USE AMPHOCIN:
AMPHOCIN: AMPHOCIN 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 AMPHOCIN for several weeks to months in certain cases. Stopping therapy too soon may result in ineffective treatment.

AMPHOCIN WARNING:
Amphotericin should be used to treat only serious fungal infections. Do not use AMPHOCIN 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.

AMPHOCIN USES:
AMPHOCIN is used to treat a fungal infection.

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

AMPHOCIN 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.

AMPHOCIN 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.

AMPHOCIN NOTES:
AMPHOCIN 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 AMPHOCIN 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.

AMPHOCIN 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.