What is Fungizone?
Fungizone is an antifungal drug that combats infections caused by fungal growths. Fungizone treats serious, potentially life-threatening fungus infections. Fungizone is not intended to treat minor fungal infections, such as a yeast infection in the mouth, esophagus, or vagina. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of fungizone.
Side effects of Fungizone
If you experience any of the following symptoms: hives; wheezing; difficulty breathing; swelling on your face, lips, or tongue; or a swelling in your throat, face, lips, and/or mouth, seek emergency medical attention.
Fungizone may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Pale skin is easily bruised.
- Blood in your stool;
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Seizure (convulsions);
- Jaundice
- Buildup of fluids in the lungs: anxiety, sweating and gasping for air, foamy cough, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, etc.
- Signs of kidney disease: Little or no urination; painful urination; ankle/foot swelling and fatigue/shortness of breath are symptoms.
- Low potassium--accompanied by confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst and increased urine production; leg discomfort; muscle weakness or limpness are signs that potassium levels have dropped considerably;
- Signs of a new infection include fever, chills, and flu symptoms. Mouth and throat ulcers rapid and shallow breathing.
Fungizone can cause the following side effects:
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
- Loss of appetite;
- Joint or muscle pain
- Headache ringing in the ears
- Pain, swelling, or bruising where the medicine has been injected.
- Weight loss;
- Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly sensation)
Warnings
Fungizone should only be used for life-threatening, serious fungal infections. Fungizone is not intended to treat minor fungal infections (yeast infections) in the mouth, esophagus, or vagina. Fungizone should not be used in higher amounts than the manufacturer recommends. An overdose can cause death.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be taken if you have an allergy to amphotericin B in any form (Abelcet, AmBisome, Amphocin, Fungizone, or Fungitec).
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that fungizone will be safe for you:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes;
- Kidney disease
- An electrolyte imbalance is a low potassium or magnesium level in the blood.
- If you receive blood transfusions,
- If you are undergoing radiation treatment,
Fungizone should not harm an unborn child. Inform your physician immediately if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant while receiving treatment. Amphotericin can pass into breast milk; it remains unknown whether this poses any dangers to nursing infants; therefore this medicine should not be taken while breastfeeding.
How to take Fungizone?
The fungizone injection is administered intravenous. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. It can take 2 to 6 hours for the medicine to be administered through an IV infusion. If you experience any pain or swelling when Fungizone IV is injected, tell your caregivers. Fungizone can be used for several weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the infection. You may need to have frequent blood tests while receiving fungizone. Fungizone should be used for the entire prescribed time. You may experience improvement in your symptoms before the infection has completely cleared. By skipping doses, your chances of contracting another infection resistant to antifungal medication increase significantly. Fungizone does not treat viral infections, such as the cold and flu.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to attend your fungizone appointment, call your doctor and ask for instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Amphotericin B overdose can be fatal.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverages or activities for you, please follow their orders exactly.
Interaction with other drug
Amphotericin may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are currently taking and those you plan to start using.
