Mycamine

Generic Name: micafungin (MYE ka FUN jen)

What is Mycamine?

Mycamine is an antifungal antibiotic. It works by interfering with the formation of the cell wall of the fungus, which results in the death of the fungus

Mycamine is used to treat infections caused by the Candida fungus. It is also used to prevent Candida fungal infections in stem cell transplant patients.

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

Important information about Mycamine

You should not use Mycamine if you are allergic to micafungin.

Before using Mycamine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver or kidney disease.

Before receiving Mycamine, tell your doctor if you are also using sirolimus (Rapamune), itraconazole (Sporanox), or nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia).

Mycamine is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to use your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine.

You may need to receive this medication for several weeks.

Before receiving Mycamine

You should not use Mycamine if you are allergic to micafungin.

Before using Mycamine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive Mycamine.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Mycamine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is Mycamine given?

Mycamine is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to use your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine.

You will need to mix Mycamine with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication.

Mycamine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and each injection can take at least 1 hour to complete. Do not mix Mycamine with any other medicines, or give other medicines through the same IV line.

Mycamine is usually given once daily. You may need to receive this medication for several weeks.

Do not shake the medicine bottle (vial). Vigorous shaking can ruin the medicine. Do not mix your Mycamine dose into an IV bag until you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription. After mixing this medicine, do not expose it to light. Cover the IV bag during your infusion to protect the medicine from light. Use the medicine within 24 hours after mixing.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

If you store Mycamine at home, keep it at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Mixed medicine can be stored at room temperature but must be used within 24 hours after mixing.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a Mycamine overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while using Mycamine?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using Mycamine.

Mycamine side effects

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. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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

stomach pain, itching, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

easy bruising or bleeding;

urinating less than usual or not at all;

drowsiness, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting;

uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling; or

swelling of your hands or feet.

Less serious side effects may include:

warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin;

mild nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;

diarrhea, constipation, indigestion;

headache;

sleep problems (insomnia);

mild itching or skin rash; or

pain, swelling, or tenderness where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Mycamine?

The following drugs can interact with Mycamine. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:

sirolimus (Rapamune);

itraconazole (Sporanox); or

nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Mycamine. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.