Sometimes, fungal infections in our bodies can be quite serious. This is especially true for people with weakened immune systems or other serious illnesses. When these infections cannot be cured with regular pills, doctors use special, powerful medications that are injected into a vein in a hospital. So, today we are talking about one such powerful antifungal drug, Amphotericin B Lipid Complex, or ABLC for short.
Simply put, what is Amphotericin B Lipid Complex (ABLC)?
This is a very strong antifungal medicine that is used to treat severe fungal or yeast infections. This is not a pill. It is usually given as an infusion, like saline, in a hospital. The specialty of this medicine is that it is made with a lipid complex, a type of fat. Therefore, it is made to be tolerated by the body. It can be found in the market under names like Abelcet .
The important thing is that this is not a medicine used for the common cold. It is used under the supervision of a doctor to treat severe, life-threatening, internal fungal infections.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting the medication
Since this is a powerful medication, it is extremely important to give your doctor a complete account of your health before you start taking it. Just remember that if you don't tell your doctor about a minor allergy, it could become a big problem. So be sure to tell them about these things.
- Allergies: If you have an allergic reaction to this Amphotericin B medication, or to any other medication, food, or dye, please let us know first.
- Immune system problems: If you have a weakened immune system (for example, a condition like HIV), tell us about it.
- Other chronic illnesses: If you have any other chronic illness, such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease, inform your doctor about it.
- Pregnancy: This is especially important if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, as this powerful medication can affect the unborn baby.
How is this medicine administered to the body?
This medicine is usually given in a hospital or clinic, under the supervision of a doctor or trained nursing staff. It is given as a saline solution (infusion) slowly into a vein.
However, very rarely, you may need to take this medicine at home. If that happens, you will be given detailed instructions at the hospital on how to prepare and inject it. It is very important to follow these instructions exactly . Take the exact dose at the exact time.
What do you do with used needles?
If you are taking medication at home, never throw used needles and syringes in the trash . Instead, put them in a special sharps container. If you don't have one, ask your doctor about how to get one.
What if the dosage of the medicine increases?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
This is a very important part. Amphotericin B is a drug that can interact with many other medications. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Drug category | Examples and descriptions |
|---|---|
| Never take it together. |
|
| Medicines that should be taken with extreme caution and the doctor should be informed when taken together |
|
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about any vitamins, herbal remedies, painkillers, or other medications you are taking. It is also important to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects. Some are normal, but some require immediate attention. Learn more about them in the table below.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor or nurse immediately: | |
| Allergy symptoms | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat. |
| Nervous system changes | Restlessness, confusion, body aches, numbness, seizures. |
| Respiratory and heart problems | Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, irregular heartbeat, changes in blood pressure. |
| Other serious symptoms | Fever, chills, signs of infection, change in the amount or color of urine, changes in vision or hearing, unusual bruising or bleeding, extreme fatigue. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Body discomfort | Body aches, headaches, stomach aches, pain at the injection site. |
| Other minor features | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, skin redness, insomnia. |
If you notice anything unusual that is not on this list, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Amphotericin B Lipid Complex (ABLC) is a powerful intravenous drug given in a hospital for severe fungal infections.
- Before starting this treatment, it is imperative that you tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have, allergies, and all other medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies).
- Immediately inform the medical staff of any unusual symptoms that occur while taking the medicine, especially allergic reactions (skin rash, difficulty breathing).
- Follow the instructions exactly regarding medication dosage, use, and proper disposal of needles if using at home.
- If you have any questions about this medicine or your condition, never hesitate to ask your doctor or nurse.
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