Micafungin

Micafungin is an antifungal medicine used to treat serious infections caused by certain fungi, especially Candida. It may be used for invasive candidiasis, where Candida infects the blood or other parts of the body, and oesophageal candidiasis, which affects the food pipe. It can also help prevent Candida infections in certain people undergoing a stem cell transplant.

This medicine damages the protective wall that fungal cells need to survive. It is mainly used for Candida infections. Micafungin may also be used in certain cases of invasive aspergillosis, a serious infection caused by Aspergillus mould, when your doctor considers it appropriate. Approved uses can vary between countries, so your doctor will decide whether this medicine is suitable for your infection.

Micafungin is given slowly into a vein by a healthcare professional, usually once daily. Treatment may be given in a hospital, clinic, or another supervised healthcare setting. Because it is given directly into the bloodstream, food does not affect how the medicine is absorbed.

Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, or reactions where the medicine enters the vein. Consult your doctor right away if you develop difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, a severe skin reaction, unusual bleeding, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Before treatment, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, blood disorders, or have previously had an allergic reaction to micafungin or another echinocandin antifungal, such as caspofungin or anidulafungin. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Also tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, are an older adult, or if the medicine is intended for a child.

Micafungin helps treat or prevent serious fungal infections in people who need an antifungal medicine given directly into the bloodstream.

• Controls serious fungal infections: This medicine damages fungal cells, helping clear infections that may affect the blood, food pipe, or other parts of the body.
• Helps relieve infection-related symptoms: As the infection improves, symptoms such as fever, chills, or painful swallowing may also improve.
• Protects people at high risk: It can help prevent Candida infections in certain people whose immune defences are weakened, such as those undergoing a stem cell transplant.
• Provides an intravenous treatment option: Because it is given directly into a vein, it can be used when intravenous antifungal treatment is needed.

• Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
• Micafungin is administered by the doctor or healthcare professional.
• Do not self-administer.

Common Side Effects (Usually Mild)

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea or stomach discomfort
• Headache
• Fever
• Changes in some blood test results
• Pain, redness, or swelling where the infusion is given

Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away)

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe or widespread rash, blistering, or peeling of the skin
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or unusual tiredness
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Severe weakness, pale skin, dark urine, or shortness of breath, which may be signs of red blood cell breakdown
• Severe dizziness, fainting, or other signs of a serious infusion or allergic reaction