Fungizone
Generic name:amphotericin B [ am-foe-TER-i-sin ]
Drug class:Polyenes
What is Fungizone?
Fungizone is an antifungal medication that fights infections caused by fungus.
Fungizone 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.
Fungizone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Fungizone is for serious, life-threatening fungal infections. It is not for use in treating a minor fungal infection (yeast infection) of the mouth, esophagus, or vagina.
Do not use Fungizone in larger amounts than recommended. An overdose can cause death.
Before taking this medicine
You should not receive this medicine if you are allergic to any formulation of amphotericin B (Abelcet, AmBisome, Amphocin, Amphotec, or Fungizone).
To make sure Fungizone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
heart disease;
diabetes;
kidney disease;
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);
if you are receiving blood transfusions; or
if you are receiving radiation treatments.
Fungizone is not expected to harm 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. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How is Fungizone given?
Fungizone is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take from 2 to 6 hours to complete.
Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when Fungizone is injected.
Fungizone may need to be given for up to several weeks or months, depending on the infection being treated.
While receiving Fungizone, you may need frequent blood tests.
Use Fungizone for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antifungal medicine. Fungizone will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
