Abelcet

Generic name: amphotericin B lipid complex [ AM-foe-TER-i-sin-B-LIP-id-KOM-plex ]
Drug class: Polyenes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 16, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Abelcet?

Abelcet is an antifungal medicine that is used to treat serious, life-threatening fungal infections that cannot be treated with other antifungal medications.

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

Abelcet side effects

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

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel feverish, light-headed, or short of breath.

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

• new or worsening cough, wheezing, trouble breathing;

• blue lips, blue colored fingers or toes;

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;

• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop);

• kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or

• low calcium level--muscle spasms or contractions, numbness or tingling;

• low magnesium--dizziness, irregular heartbeats, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, cough or choking feeling; or

• low potassium level--leg cramps, constipation, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Common side effects of Abelcet may include:

• fever, chills;

• nausea, vomiting; or

• abnormal kidney function tests.

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.

Warnings

Tell your caregivers if you feel feverish, light-headed, or short of breath while you are receiving Abelcet.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with amphotericin B if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;

• a blood cell transfusion; or

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using Abelcet.

How is Abelcet given?

Abelcet is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Abelcet must be given slowly, and the infusion can take about 2 hours to complete.

Your kidney and liver function and electrolytes will be checked frequently.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If Abelcet is given while you are in the hospital, you are not likely to miss a dose.

If you are receiving this medicine in an outpatient clinic, call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Abelcet injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Since Abelcet is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving Abelcet?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect Abelcet?

Amphotericin B can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• corticotropin (ACTH);

• digoxin, digitalis;

• zidovudine;

• other antifungal medicine--clotrimazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole; or

• steroid medicine--dexamethasone, prednisone, methylprednisolone, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Abelcet, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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