Micafungin

Generic name: Micafungin
Brand names: Mycamine
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (100 mg; 50 mg)
Drug class: Echinocandins

Usage of Micafungin

Micafungin is an antifungal medication that fights infections caused by fungus.

Micafungin is used to treat infections caused by the Candida fungus. Micafungin is also used to prevent Candida fungal infections in stem cell transplant patients. Micafungin is for use in adults and children who are at least 4 months old.

Micafungin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Micafungin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; feeling like you might pass out; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Micafungin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;

swelling, rapid weight gain, little or no urinating; or

upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of micafungin may include:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); or

mild itching or rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Micafungin

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to micafungin or similar medicines such as caspofungin (Cancidas) or anidulafungin (Eraxis).

To make sure you can safely use micafungin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

liver disease; or

kidney disease.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether micafungin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether micafungin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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How to use Micafungin

Usual Adult Dose for Esophageal Candidiasis:

150 mg IV once a dayComments:-In patients treated successfully, the mean duration of therapy was 15 days (range: 10 to 30 days).Use: For treatment of esophageal candidiasis

Usual Adult Dose for Fungal Infection Prophylaxis:

50 mg IV once a dayComments:-In hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients who had successful prophylactic therapy, the mean duration of prophylaxis was 19 days (range: 6 to 51 days).Use: For prophylaxis of Candida infections in patients undergoing HSCT

Usual Adult Dose for Candidemia:

100 mg IV once a dayComments:-In patients treated successfully, the mean duration of therapy was 15 days (range: 10 to 47 days).Uses: For treatment of candidemia, acute disseminated candidiasis, Candida peritonitis and abscesses

Usual Pediatric Dose for Esophageal Candidiasis:

4 months or older:-Weight 30 kg or less: 3 mg/kg IV once a day-Weight greater than 30 kg: 2.5 mg/kg IV once a day---Maximum dose: 150 mg/dayUse: For treatment of esophageal candidiasis

Usual Pediatric Dose for Fungal Infection Prophylaxis:

4 months or older: 1 mg/kg IV once a dayMaximum dose: 50 mg/dayUse: For prophylaxis of Candida infections in patients undergoing HSCT

Usual Pediatric Dose for Candidemia:

Younger than 4 months: 4 mg/kg IV once a day4 months or older: 2 mg/kg IV once a day-Maximum dose: 100 mg/dayComments:-Safety and efficacy have not been established for the treatment of candidemia with meningoencephalitis and/or ocular dissemination in pediatric patients younger than 4 months as a higher dose may be needed.Uses:-Pediatric patients younger than 4 months: For treatment of candidemia, acute disseminated candidiasis, Candida peritonitis and abscesses without meningoencephalitis and/or ocular dissemination-Pediatric patients 4 months or older: For treatment of candidemia, acute disseminated candidiasis, Candida peritonitis and abscesses

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Micafungin

Other drugs may interact with micafungin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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