What is Micafungin?
Micafungin is an antifungal drug that combats infections caused by fungal growths.Micafungin can be used to treat Candida infections. Micafungin can also be used to treat stem cell transplant recipients who are at risk of developing a Candida fungal infection. Micafungin can be used by adults as well as children older than 4 months.Micafungin can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Micafungin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction, seek emergency medical attention: difficulty breathing, feeling as if you could pass out, swelling in your lips, face, throat, tongue, or mouth.
Micafungin may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- If you notice pale, yellowish, or dark urine or if you feel confused or weak, this could be a sign of a fever or confusion.
- Weight gain and swelling are rapid, but there's little or no urine.
- Upper stomach pain, Itching. loss of appetite. Clay-colored stool. Jaundice.
Micafungin can cause a number of side effects.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- Flushing (warmth or redness);
- Mild itching or rash.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Report any adverse reactions by calling the FDA's Hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
fluconazole, diflucan, itraconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, posaconazole, and caspofungin
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your doctors about your allergies and medical conditions. Also, tell them which medicines you are using.
Before you take this drug
This medication should not be used if you have an allergy to caspofungin or other similar medications, such as anidulafungin or cancidas. Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you may have to ensure that you are able to safely use micafungin.
- Liver Disease
- Kidney disease is a serious condition.
FDA pregnancy class C There is no information on whether or not micafungin can harm an unborn child. If you plan to get pregnant or are already pregnant, tell your doctor. There is no way to know if micafungin can pass into breast milk or harm nursing babies. You should tell your doctor that you are breastfeeding a child.
How to take Micafungin?
Micafungin can be taken once daily for up to a few weeks. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Use micafungin only as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or continue taking it beyond its recommended duration. Micafungin can be injected through an IV into the vein. It is possible that you will be taught how to use the IV at home. You should not inject this medication yourself if you don't know how to properly give an injection or dispose of needles, tubing, and other items that were used. Shaking the bottle can ruin medicine. Do not prepare your dosage until you're ready to inject. If the color of your medicine changes or if it contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist. Micafungin should be diluted with liquid before use. You should know how to mix the medication and store it properly if you use the injections in your home. Do not expose this medication to the light after mixing. Protect the medication from light by covering the bag of your IV during infusion. The medicine must be used within 24 hours of mixing.
Micafungin should be administered slowly via IV infusion. Each injection may take up to an hour. Micafungin should not be mixed with other medications or given through the same intravenous line. Tell your doctor about any weight changes if a child uses this medication. The dose of micafungin is based on the weight of children. Each disposable needle should only be used once. Use a puncture-proof container to throw away the used needles (ask a pharmacist how you can dispose of this container).This container should be kept out of reach from both pets and children. This medicine comes in a single-use bottle (vial). Even if some medication is left after an injection, throw it away immediately after use. Keep away from heat, moisture, and sunlight. Store mixed medicine at room temperature, but use it within 24 hours of mixing.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Esophageal Candidiasis:
Take 150 mg of IV every day.
Comments:
The average duration of treatment for patients who were successfully treated was 15 days.
Treatment of candidiasis esophageal
Adult dose for fungal infection prevention:
Take 50mg IV every day.
Comments:
The average duration of prophylactic treatment was 19 days in HSCT recipients with successful prophylactic treatments (range: 6–51 days).
Use for the prevention of Candida infection in patients receiving HSCT
Adult dose for candidemia:
Once a day, 100 mg of intravenous
Comments:
The average duration of treatment for patients who were successfully treated was 15 days.
Uses: Treatment of Candidaemia; acute disseminated Candiasis; Candida Peritonitis
The usual pediatric dose for esophageal candidiasis is:
Four months and older
Weight 30 kg and less: 3 mg/kg intravenous once per day
Weight greater than 30kg: 2.5 mg/kg intravenous once per day
Maximum dose: 150 mg/day
Tratment of Esophageal Candida
The usual pediatric dose for fungal infection prophylaxis.
For 4-month-olds and older, 1 mg/kg IV every day
Maximum dose: 50 mg/day
Use for the prevention of Candida infection in patients receiving HSCT
The usual pediatric dose for candidemia is:
Younger than 4 months: IV 4 mg/kg once daily
For 4-month-olds and older, 2 mg/kg IV every day
Maximum dose: 100 mg/day
Comments:
The safety and effectiveness of the treatment for candidemia with meningoencephalitis or ocular spread in children younger than four months have not been determined. A higher dose could be required.
Uses:
Children younger than four months of age: treatment for candidemia, disseminated acute candidiasis (ADC), Candida peritonitis or abscesses, without meningoencephalitis, and/or with ocular spread
Children aged 4 months and older: for the treatment of Candidaemia, disseminated acute candidiasis (ADC), Candida peritonitis, or abscesses
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed a micafungin dose, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverages or activities for you, adhere to their advice.
Interaction with other drug
Micafungin may also interact with other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines that you are currently taking and those that you plan to start using.
