Generic Name: amphotericin B

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

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to any formulation of amphotericin B (Abelcet, AmBisome, Amphotec, or Fungizone).

Before receiving amphotericin B, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease or heart disease.

Amphotericin B is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 6 hours to complete.

Amphotericin B may need to be given for up to several weeks or months, depending on the infection being treated.

Some people receiving an amphotericin B injection have had a reaction to the infusion (either when the medicine is injected into the vein or within 1 to 3 hours afterward). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, feverish or cold, or if have a slow heartbeat, chest tightness, or trouble breathing.

What is amphotericin B?

Amphotericin B is an antibiotic that fights fungal infections in the body.

Amphotericin B is used to treat serious, life-threatening fungal infections. It is not for use in treating a minor fungal infection such as a yeast infection of the mouth, esophagus, or vagina.

Amphotericin is usually given after other antifungal antibiotics have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Amphotericin B may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving amphotericin B?

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to any formulation of amphotericin B (Abelcet, AmBisome, Amphotec, or Fungizone).

Before receiving amphotericin B, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease; or

• heart disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive amphotericin B, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether amphotericin B passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is amphotericin B given?

Amphotericin B is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 6 hours to complete.

While you are receiving your amphotericin B infusion, your caregivers will check your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and lung function about every 30 minutes.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood cells, kidney function, and liver function may also need to be tested. Amphotericin B can have long-lasting effects on your body. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor for blood or urine tests.

Amphotericin B may need to be given for up to several weeks or months, depending on the infection being treated.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since amphotericin B is usually given while you are in the hospital, it is not likely you will miss a dose of this medication.

If you are receiving amphotericin B in an outpatient clinic, call your doctor if you will miss an appointment for your amphotericin B injection.