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Amphotericin B

Warning

Amphotericin should be used only to treat serious, possibly fatal fungal infections. This medication should not be used for less severe infections in limited areas of the body (such as fungal infection of the mouth/esophagus, vaginal yeast infections) in patients with normal white blood cell counts.

Precautions

Before using amphotericin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: white blood cell (leukocyte) transfusions, heart disease (such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure), liver disease, kidney disease.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Side Effects

See also How to Use section.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: swelling/pain at injection site, muscle/joint pain, unusual tiredness, weakness, muscle cramping, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, painful urination), numbness/tingling of arms/legs, vision changes, hearing changes (such as ringing in the ears), signs of liver problems (such as dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin), swelling ankles/feet, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, cold sweats, blue lips, easy bruising/bleeding, other signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever), mental/mood changes, seizures, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.