Amphotericin B liposomal

Amphotericin B liposomal is a potent medicine used to treat fungal infection such as yeasts and moulds and parasites carrying germs. It simply slows the growth of germs causing fungal infections. Your healthcare provider will prescribe this medicine if you cannot tolerate or do not respond to the regular amphotericin treatment.

You can use Amphotericin B to treat Fungal infections. These infections include:

• When you have a fungal infection that affects the covering of the brain and spinal cord.
• When you have black fever or Leishmaniasis, caused by a parasite from the bite of the sandfly.
• When the health provider finds out that you cannot take the usual Amphotericin B medicine.

Amphotericin B liposomal injection treats fungal infections. It is useful for treating fungal infections in the blood caused by Aspergillus, Candida and Cryptococcus. It is also useful in treating Leishmaniasis, a parasite infection transmitted through the bite of a sand fly. Compared to Amphotericin B injection, the liposomal preparation has less toxic effects on the kidneys and fewer adverse reactions. This is mainly due to how the drug molecules have been made more fat-soluble; each molecule is covered by a double layer of fat.

Amphotericin B liposomal injection is a prescription-only medicine. It is injected by a healthcare provider into your vein over 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Your healthcare provider can only give you Amphotericin B liposomal injection as a liquid through your vein. It takes about 2 hours for the injection to travel through the veins and begin work in the body. The length of your treatment depends on your general health, how you tolerate the medication and the type of infection you have.

You may receive amphotericin B liposomal injection in a hospital, or you may use the medication at home. If you will be using amphotericin B liposomal injection at home, your healthcare provider will show you how to take the medication.

Before using, check this product visually for particles or discolouration. If either is present, do not use the medicine.

You may experience mild effects of this medicine that may make you uncomfortable. They will usually go away within 2 to 3 days. You should mention these or other unpleasant effects to your healthcare provider, especially if it stays longer than a week. Amphotericin B liposomal injection may be the cause of the following side effects:

• When you have heartburn, a peppery sensation usually in the chest area.
• When your body temperature increases above normal with chills sometimes.
• When you have suddenly experienced warmth of the head, neck and arms, or redness because of increased blood flow after taking the medication.
• When you lose your appetite for food.
• When you feel like fainting.
• When you feel like vomiting or actually vomited.
• When you pass loose stools.
• When you find it hard to pass stools.
• When you experience redness or swelling at the injection site.
• When you find it hard to breathe.

Some side effects can be serious and may need the urgent attention of your health provider. If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your healthcare provider immediately:

• When you experience severe itching.
• When you notice any swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs.
• When you have chest pain or tightness.
• When you pass stools which are black and tarry stools.
• When you notice that your pass less urine than usual.
• When you spot blood in your urine.

It is important that you inform your healthcare provider if you have any disease condition.

• Do not take this medicine if you have previously had an unexpected negative reaction to Amphotericin B injection and any of the ingredients.
• Tell your health care provider if you are on antibiotics, cancer medications and/or oral steroids.

If the following are true, your healthcare provider may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects:

• You are receiving a blood transfusion.
• You have or have ever had kidney disease.
• You plan on having surgery, including dental surgery. Tell the doctor or dentist that you are receiving amphotericin B liposomal injection.