Mycamine

Generic Name: micafungin (MYE ka FUN jen)

Brand Names: Mycamine

What is micafungin?

Micafungin is an antifungal antibiotic 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 may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about micafungin?

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

Before using micafungin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, if you have liver or kidney disease, or if you are also using sirolimus (Rapamune), itraconazole (Sporanox), or nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia).

Micafungin is injected into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.

You may need to receive this medication for several weeks.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using 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. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is micafungin given?

Micafungin is injected into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.

Micafungin must be mixed 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 medicine.

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

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

Do not shake the medication bottle or you may ruin the medicine. Prepare your dose in an IV bag only when you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has 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 micafungin 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 of micafungin.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using micafungin?

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

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

• 
  

  pale skin, dark colored urine, confusion or weakness;

  
  


• 
  

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

  
  


• 
  

  fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

  
  


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  easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;

  
  


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  urinating less than usual or not at all;

  
  


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

  
  


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  swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath;

  
  


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

  
  


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  severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

  
  


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  mild nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;

  
  


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  diarrhea, constipation, indigestion;

  
  


• 
  

  headache;

  
  


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  sleep problems (insomnia);

  
  


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  mild itching or skin rash; or

  
  


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

  
  

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.

What other drugs will affect micafungin?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• 
  

  sirolimus (Rapamune);

  
  


• 
  

  itraconazole (Sporanox); or

  
  


• 
  

  nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia).

  
  

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with micafungin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Mycamine resources

• Mycamine Side Effects (in more detail)
• Mycamine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Mycamine Drug Interactions
• Mycamine Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Mycamine - Add your own review/rating

• Mycamine Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Mycamine Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Mycamine Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Mycamine MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Mycamine Consumer Overview

Compare Mycamine with other medications

• Candida Infections, Systemic
• Esophageal Candidiasis
• Fungal Infection Prophylaxis

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about micafungin.

See also: Mycamine side effects (in more detail)