Micafungin
About
Micafungin belongs to the group of medicines called anti-fungal agents indicated in the treatment of fungal infections caused by fungal or yeast cells called Candida. It is effective in treating systemic infections (those that have penetrated within the body).
Micafungin contains Micafungin, which works by interfering with the production of a part of the fungal cell wall that is necessary for the fungus to survive and grow. Thereby, it helps treat fungal infections.
In some cases, Micafungin may cause injection site reactions, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to the doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
Let the doctor know if you are allergic to any of the components in Micafungin. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines you are taking to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Micafungin
Medicinal Benefits
Micafungin contains Micafungin, which belongs to the group of medicines called anti-fungal agents indicated in the treatment of fungal infections caused by fungal or yeast cells called Candida. It is effective in treating systemic infections (those that have penetrated within the body). Micafungin interferes with the production of a part of the fungal cell wall that is necessary for the fungus to survive and grow. Thereby, it helps treat fungal infections.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Micafungin
- Injection site reactions
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Decreased potassium, magnesium or calcium levels
- Fever
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not use Micafungin if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform the doctor if you have/had haemolytic anaemia (anaemia due to the breakdown of red blood cells), kidney problems like kidney failure or abnormal kidney function, haemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells), liver problems such as liver failure, hepatitis or abnormal liver function tests. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine may cause severe inflammation/eruption of the skin and mucous membranes (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking an immunosuppressant (sirolimus), anti-fungal (itraconazole), antibiotic (amphotericin B desoxycholate), calcium channel blocker (nifedipine).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have haemolytic anaemia, kidney or liver problems, or haemolysis.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known whether Micafungin interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will decide if Micafungin can be administered to lactating mothers.
Driving
cautionMicafungin is unlikely to have an effect on driving. However, some people may experience dizziness. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionIf you have a history of liver problems, inform the doctor before receiving Micafungin.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a history of kidney problems, inform the doctor before receiving Micafungin.
Children
cautionPlease consult the doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Micafungin in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight.
- Follow a low-sugar diet.
- A diet supporting gut health may help prevent infections.
- Include fresh fruits, vegetables and good fats.
- Avoid gluten, alcohol, and certain dairy products.
Special Advise
- The doctor may advise liver function tests during treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Fungal infection: Fungal infection, also known as mycosis, is a disease caused by fungus. The fungi may invade the tissues and cause a disease confined to the skin, spread into the tissue, organs and bones, or affect the whole body. Symptoms include fatigue, headache, muscle or joint pain, itchy or scaly skin, weight loss, chest pain, and night sweats.
FAQs
Micafungin works by causing defects in the fungal cell wall, making them unable to live and grow. Thereby, it helps treat fungal infections.
Micafungin may cause abnormal blood tests (decreased white/red blood cells and platelets), abnormal liver function tests (increased alkaline phosphatase, increased alanine aminotransferase, increased aspartate aminotransferase) or abnormal kidney function tests (increased urea in the blood, increased blood creatinine). If you are undergoing any tests, inform the doctor that you are on treatment with Micafungin.
The efficacy of Micafungin against infections caused by fungi other than Candida has not been established. Consult the doctor if you have any concerns.
