Medications and Drugs

Brand Names: AmBisome

Generic Name: amphotericin B liposomal (Pronunciation: am foe TER i sin lye poe SO mal)

What is amphotericin B liposomal (AmBisome)?

Amphotericin B liposomal is an antibiotic that fights fungal infections in the body.

Amphotericin B liposomal is used to treat serious, life-threatening fungal infections, including a certain form of meningitis in people infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

Amphotericin B liposomal is not for use in treating a minor fungal infection such as a yeast infection of the mouth, esophagus, or vagina.

Amphotericin B liposomal is usually given after other antifungal antibiotics have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Amphotericin B liposomal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of amphotericin B liposomal (AmBisome)?

Some people receiving an amphotericin B liposomal injection have had a reaction to the infusion (either when the medicine is injected into the vein or within 1 to 3 hours afterward). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, feverish or cold, or if you have a slow heartbeat, chest tightness, or trouble breathing.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

chest pain;
dry mouth, increased thirst, nausea, vomiting;
extreme drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion;
urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
muscle pain or weakness, fast or uneven heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting;
seizure (convulsions);
blood in your urine or stools, coughing up blood;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may also occur, such as:

pain, swelling, or other irritation where the needle is placed;
mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, loss of appetite;
weight loss;
muscle or joint aches;
headache;
anxiety, sleep problems (insomnia);
warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin; or
sweating, skin itching, or mild rash.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about amphotericin B liposomal (AmBisome)?

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to any formulation of amphotericin B (Abelcet, AmBisome, Amphotec, or Fungizone).

Before receiving amphotericin B liposomal, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease or heart disease.

Amphotericin B liposomal is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 2 hours to complete.

Amphotericin B liposomal may need to be given for up several weeks or months, depending on the infection being treated.

Some people receiving an amphotericin B liposomal injection have had a reaction to the infusion (either when the medicine is injected into the vein or within 1 to 3 hours afterward). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, feverish or cold, or if have a slow heartbeat, chest tightness, or trouble breathing.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving amphotericin B liposomal (AmBisome)?»

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.