amphotericin B lipid complex

Pronunciation: AM foe TER i sin B LIP id KOM plex

Brand: Abelcet

What is the most important information I should know about amphotericin B lipid complex?

Tell your caregivers if you feel feverish, light-headed, or short of breath while you are receiving this medicine.

What is amphotericin B lipid complex?

Amphotericin B lipid complex is an antifungal medicine that is used to treat serious, life-threatening fungal infections that cannot be treated with other antifungal medications.

Amphotericin B lipid complex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving amphotericin B lipid complex?

You should not be treated with amphotericin B if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • kidney disease;
  • a blood cell transfusion; or
  • an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using amphotericin B lipid complex.

How is amphotericin B lipid complex given?

Amphotericin B lipid complex is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take about 2 hours to complete.

Your kidney and liver function and electrolytes will be checked frequently.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If amphotericin B lipid complex is given while you are in the hospital, you are not likely to miss a dose.

If you are receiving this medicine in an outpatient clinic, call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your amphotericin B lipid complex injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving amphotericin B lipid complex?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of amphotericin B lipid complex?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel feverish, light-headed, or short of breath.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • new or worsening cough, wheezing, trouble breathing;
  • blue lips, blue colored fingers or toes;
  • easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;
  • slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop);
  • kidney problems --little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or
  • low calcium level --muscle spasms or contractions, numbness or tingling;
  • low magnesium --dizziness, irregular heartbeats, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, cough or choking feeling; or
  • low potassium level --leg cramps, constipation, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Common side effects may include:

  • fever, chills;
  • nausea, vomiting; or
  • abnormal kidney function tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect amphotericin B lipid complex?

Amphotericin B can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

  • corticotropin (ACTH);
  • digoxin, digitalis;
  • zidovudine;
  • other antifungal medicine --clotrimazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole; or
  • steroid medicine --dexamethasone, prednisone, methylprednisolone, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect amphotericin B lipid complex, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about amphotericin B lipid complex.

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