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Eraxis

Generic name: anidulafungin [ay-NID-ue-la-FUN-gin] 

Drug class: echinocandins

What is Eraxis?

Eraxis is a medication that combats infections caused by fungus.Eraxis treats candida (yeast infections) in the stomach or blood in adults and children older than 1 month.Eraxis can also be used to treat Candida infections in the esophagus, but only in adults.

Side effects of Eraxis

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to Eraxis, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.Some side effects can occur during injection. You should tell your caregiver if you experience any of the following symptoms: lightheadedness, itching, warmth, tingling, sweating, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing.

If you experience:

  • A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
  • Trouble breathing
  • Dark urine, burning or pain when you urinate, little or no urination;
  • Stomach pain and swelling
  • Easy bruising, unusual bleeding, or purple or red patches under the skin
  • Low sodium—leg cramps; constipation—increased thirst or urination; numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.
  • Anemia (low red blood cells) pale skin, unusual fatigue, feeling lightheaded or short of breath, cold hands and/or feet, etc.
  • (in a baby) severe drowsiness, fussiness, feeding problems, or vomiting

Eraxis may cause side effects such as:

  • Abnormal liver function tests
  • Low sugar symptoms (hunger and sweating; dizziness or feeling shaky);
  • You may have a sore or a white patch in your mouth, throat,
  • Feeling light-headed Low blood pressure
  • Anemia, bruises or bleeding, nosebleed
  • Fever;
    stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
  • Low potassium
  • Headache; trouble sleeping

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.

Warnings

Eraxis should be taken for the entire prescribed time. You may experience symptoms before the infection has completely cleared. You may increase your chances of a second infection resistant to antibiotics if you skip doses. Eraxis does not treat viral infections such as the flu or the common cold.Tell your doctor before using Eraxis if you suffer from liver disease.Please follow all instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions and allergies. Inform them what medicines you are currently taking.

Before you take this drug

Eraxis should not be used if you:

  • You are allergic to caspofungin, micafungin, or anidulafungin.
  • You are hereditary fructose intolerant, a condition that makes it difficult for you to digest sugars containing fructose (such as those found in fruits and juices).

If you've ever had liver disease, tell your doctor.Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.

Similar/related drugs

Fluconazole, Diflucan, Itraconazole, Voriconazole, Amphotericin B, Posaconazole, and Sporanox

How to take Eraxis ?

Follow the instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Read all the instructions on the prescription label.

Eraxis can be given by infusion directly into the vein. Your healthcare provider may give you your first dose and teach you how to use the medication properly.Before using Eraxis, it must be diluted with a liquid first (diluent) and then in an IV bag. Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication.If you need assistance understanding the instructions, speak with a healthcare provider or pharmacist for further advice.Eraxis should only be prepared when you're ready to administer it. If the medication has become discolored or contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist.The infusion of Eraxis can take anywhere from 45 minutes to three hours.When giving Eraxis, you may need to use a special syringe or an infusion pump. Be sure to follow your doctor's directions.Sometimes, Eraxis can be given up to seven days after the symptoms have cleared up or up to fourteen days after laboratory tests confirm that your infection has cleared up. This medicine should be taken for the entire prescribed time. Eraxis does not treat a virus, such as the flu or a cold.

Your liver may require frequent blood tests.Keep unused vials inside the refrigerator. Do not freeze.You can keep the vial, which contains the diluent, at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Then you can dilute it further in an IV bag before injecting the mixture.You can keep the final solution in your IV bag at room temperature for up to 48 hours. Do not freeze.Each vial is only for one-time use. After one use, throw it out, even if the medicine is still inside.You may also be prescribed other antifungal medications to prevent your esophageal Candida infection from returning. Use this medication as prescribed by your doctor.Eraxis dilution solution should not be used if the color has changed or if there are particles present. For new medications, call your pharmacist.Only use a needle or syringe once, and then store them in an "as sharps" container that is puncture-proof. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how to properly dispose of the container. Keep the container out of reach of pets and children.

Details on dosage

Adult dose of Eraxis:

Initial dose: 200 mg IV as a single loading dose on Day 1
Maintenance dose: 100mg IV every day after that.
Comments:
The duration of treatment should be determined by the patient's response.
In general, the antifungal treatment should be continued for at least fourteen days following the last culture positive.
Use: To treat Candidaemia and the following Candida infections: Intraabdominal abscess (and peritonitis)

Adult dose of Eraxis:

Initial dose: 100 mg IV as a single loading dose on Day 1
Maintenance dose: 50 mg IV every day after that.
Duration of treatment: minimum 14 days, and at least 7 after resolution of symptoms
Comments:
The duration of treatment should be determined by the patient's response.
After a course, suppressive antifungal treatment may be recommended due to the risk of relapse for HIV-infected patients.
Use: To treat esophageal candida

The usual pediatric dose of Eraxis to treat candidemia is:

One month and older
Initial dose: 3 mg/kg IV as a single loading dose on Day 1
Maximum dose: 200 mg/dose
Maintenance dose: 1.5 mg/kg IV, once daily thereafter.
Maximum dose: 100 mg/dose
Comments:
Overall, the antifungal treatment should be continued for at least fourteen days following the last culture positive.
Use: To treat Candida infection, including intra abdominal abscess (IABS) and peritonitis.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you miss a dosage, call your doctor to get instructions.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

Avoid this

If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.

Interaction with other drug

Anidulafungin may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.