What is Rezafungin?
Rezafungin, an antifungal medication, is used in adults to treat candida (yeast infections) in the blood.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of rezafungin.
Side effects of Rezafungin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.Some side effects can occur during the injection. You should tell your doctor if you experience nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, sweating, itching, chest tightness, or backache.
Rezafungin may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Low blood potassium: leg cramps, constipation, increased thirst or urination, numbness, tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, or limp feeling
- Low blood magnesium—dizziness, irregular heartbeats, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, coughing or choking feeling;
- Low blood phosphate—seizure, confusion, bone pain, or muscle weakness.
Some of the common side effects associated with rezafungin include:
- Low blood potassium, phosphate, or magnesium levels;
- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting;
- Constipation, stomach pain;
- Pale skin, fatigue, feeling lightheaded or short-breath, cold hands or feet;
- Fever.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Reaching the FDA to report side effects is easy: dial 1-800-FDA-1088!
Similar/related drugs
Fluconazole, diflucan, itraconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, posaconazole, and Rezzayo
Warnings
Do not use it other than as directed. Inform your physician of any medications or medical conditions you are taking or allergies you have, whether these be allergies or otherwise.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to rezafungin or other similar medications, such as:
- Anidulafungin;
- Caspofungin;
- Micafungin.
If you or a family member have liver disease, tell your doctor.The safety of rezafungin for an unborn child is unknown.Inform your physician immediately if you are expecting or planning on becoming pregnant.Ask your doctor if you can safely breastfeed if you are taking this medication.
How to take Rezafungin?
Read all the instructions and directions included on the prescription label.In general, rezafungin infusions are given once a week. They are administered slowly over an hour. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider.Tests will be performed by your doctor to ensure that rezafungin treatment is right for you.Your liver will require frequent blood tests.Please follow the instructions that come with your rezafungin. You can get more information from your pharmacist about how to store the medicine.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for candidemia:
Loading dose: 400 mg IV once
Maintenance dose: 200mg once a week via IV infusion
-Administer the IV infusion for approximately an hour (250 ml/h).
For infusion-related reactions, slow down or pause the infusion and restart it at a slower rate.
The safety of a longer course of treatment has not been proven.
Comments:
It is recommended that cultures be obtained prior to starting antifungal treatment; the appropriate adjustments can then be made to the treatment once the results of the culture are known.
Only for IV administration; dilute before administering.
Use: To treat Candidaemia or invasive Candiasis among adult patients who have limited or no other options. Approval is based on limited safety and efficacy studies.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you miss a dosage, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
In a medical setting, an overdose is treated immediately.
What should be avoided?
You may get sunburn faster if you use Rezafungin. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock (SPF 30 or higher).
Interaction with other drug
Rezafungin can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal supplements. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
