Micafungin Injection
Brand Name(s): Mycamine®WHY is this medicine prescribed?
Micafungin is used to treat certain fungal infections that have caused esophagitis ( infection of the throat), spread to the bloodstream, have caused abscesses (collection of pus in body tissue) or caused peritonitis (infection of the lining of the stomach) in adults and children. It is also used to prevent fungal infections in adults and children who have undergone a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT; procedure in which certain blood cells are removed from the body and then returned to the body). Micafungin is in a class of medications called echinocandins. It works by stopping the building of cell walls in the fungus causing it to die.
HOW should this medicine be used?
Micafungin injection comes as a powder to be mixed with a liquid and given intravenously (into the vein). It is usually given once a day. Your doctor will decide how long you should receive micafungin.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before receiving micafungin,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to micafungin, caspofungin, anidulafungin, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in micafungin injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while taking micafungin. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking micafungin, call your doctor immediately. Micafungin may harm the fetus.
What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Micafungin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms tell your doctor immediately:
- rash, swelling of tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, wheezing, feeling tired or confused, dizziness
- yellowing of skin or white of eyes, dark urine, lower abdominal pain
- fever, flushing, tightness of throat, feeling of fast heartbeat, chills, lightheadedness, feeling faint
Micafungin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about micafungin.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2024. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: September 20, 2024.