Generic name: rezafungin [ re-za-fun-jin ]
Drug class: Echinocandins
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (200 mg)
Availability: Prescription only
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available
Brand names: Rezzayo
What is Rezafungin?
Rezafungin is an antifungal medicine that is used to treat adults with candida (yeast) infections in the blood.
Rezafungin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.
How should I take Rezafungin
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Rezafungin is given slowly over 1 hour as an infusion into a vein, usually once per week. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Your doctor will perform tests to make sure rezafungin is the right treatment for you.
You will need frequent blood tests to check your liver function.
Follow all storage instructions provided with rezafungin. Your pharmacist can provide more information about how to store this medicine.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Candidemia:
Loading dose: 400 mg once by IV infusion
Maintenance dose: 200 mg once a week by IV infusion
-Administer IV infusion over approximately one hour (250 mL/hr).
-For infusion-related reactions, slow or pause infusion, and restart at a lower rate.
Duration of therapy: Safety has not been established beyond 4 weekly doses
Comments:
-It is recommended to obtain cultures prior to initiating antifungal therapy; adjust treatment appropriately once culture results are known.
-For IV use only; dilute prior to administration.
Use: For the treatment of candidemia and invasive candidiasis in adult patients with limited or no alternative options; approval based on limited clinical safety and efficacy data.
Before Taking
You should not use rezafungin if you are allergic to rezafungin or similar medicines such as:
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anidulafungin;
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caspofungin; or
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micafungin.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
It is not known if rezafungin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.
What should I avoid while using Rezafungin?
Rezafungin could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
Rezafungin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your medical caregiver if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, sweaty, or have a headache, chest tightness, back pain, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face.
Rezafungin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
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low blood potassium--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling;
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low blood magnesium--dizziness, irregular heartbeats, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, cough or choking feeling; or
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low blood phosphate--seizure, confusion, bone pain, or muscle weakness.
Common side effects of rezafungin may include:
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low blood levels of potassium, phosphate, or magnesium;
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diarrhea, nausea, vomiting;
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constipation, stomach pain;
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pale skin, tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or
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fever.
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.
See more: Rezafungin Side EffectsWhat other drugs will affect Rezafungin?
Other drugs may affect rezafungin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.