Anidulafungin

Introduction To Anidulafungin

Anidulafungin is an antifungal medication. It is used in the treatment of severe fungal infections. It kills the fungi that cause infections and thus provides relief.

Anidulafungin is administered as an injection by a healthcare professional. Kindly do not self-administer. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Your liver function should be monitored regularly during treatment.

It may lead to a few common side effects like decreased potassium levels in the blood, nausea, diarrhea, headache, and vomiting. You may also notice some injection site reactions like pain, swelling, or redness. Inform your doctor if these side effects persist. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Uses of Anidulafungin

  • Severe fungal infections

Benefits of Anidulafungin

Severe fungal infections
Anidulafungin works by killing the fungi which can cause serious infections. It is given by a doctor or nurse and should not be self-administered. It usually makes you feel better very quickly but you should continue taking it as prescribed even when you feel better to make sure that all the fungi and yeast causing the infection are killed and do not become resistant.

Side effects of Anidulafungin

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Andulanaac

  • Decreased potassium level in blood
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Anemia (low number of red blood cells)
  • Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
  • Indigestion
  • Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)

How to use Anidulafungin

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

How Anidulafungin works

Anidulafungin kills fungus by preventing them from making their protective covering.

Quick tips

  • Anidulafungin is given as a slow injection into the veins under the supervision of a doctor.

  • Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.

  • Your doctor may check your liver function regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop abdominal pain, loss of appetite, darkened urine or yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice).

  • Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Safety Advice

sdsPregnancySAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Anidulafungin if I’m pregnant?

Anidulafungin is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.

sdsBreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Anidulafungin if I’m breastfeeding?

Anidulafungin is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.

sdsAlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Is drinking alcohol while taking Anidulafungin safe?

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Anidulafungin. Please consult your doctor.

sdsDrivingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I drive after taking Anidulafungin?

It is not known whether Anidulafungin alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.

sdsKidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Anidulafungin if I have/had kidney diseases?

Anidulafungin is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Anidulafungin is recommended. This medicine can also be taken by patients undergoing dialysis without any adjustment in dose and time.

sdsLiverSAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Anidulafungin if I have/had liver diseases?

Anidulafungin is safe to use in patients with liver disease. No dose adjustment of Anidulafungin is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Anidulafungin used for?

Anidulafungin is used to treat fungal infection (Candida infections) of the blood or other internal organs.

References

Bennett JE. Antifungal Agents. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 1584-85.

Sheppard D, Lampiris HW. Antifungal Agents. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 841.

Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. p. 76.

Anidulafungin. Sandwich, Kent: Pfizer Limited; 2007 [revised Oct. 2018]. [Accessed 23 Jan. 2019] (online) Available from:

Anidulafungin. New York, New York, Pfizer Inc.; 2006 [revised 2012]. [Accessed 04 Feb. 2019] (online) Available from:

Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 29 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:

Written By:

Dr Advikka Ridhy

Dr Advikka Ridhy

MBBS

RMO, Aster MIMS

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