Arikayce

This medication is used along with other medications to treat a certain lung infection (Mycobacterium avium complex-MAC) after other treatments have not worked. Amikacin belongs to a class of drugs known as aminoglycoside antibiotics. This medication works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.

Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using amikacin and each time you get a refill. This medication is used with a special machine called a nebulizer that changes the solution to a fine mist that you inhale. Learn and follow all instructions for the use of this medication and the nebulizer. If you have any questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist.

Use this medication with the nebulizer as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If this medication has been stored in the refrigerator, take the vial out of the refrigerator and let it warm up to room temperature for at least 45 minutes before use. Do not heat this medication any other way, such as by heating in the microwave or placing in hot water. Shake the vial well for at least 10 to 15 seconds, until the medicine looks the same throughout and well mixed. Use all of the contents of the vial for each dose. Do not mix amikacin liposomal with any other medicines in the nebulizer. Each treatment usually lasts about 14 to 20 minutes.

For the best effect, use this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, use this medication at the same time every day.

Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

See also Warning section.

Hoarseness, changes in your voice, nausea, diarrhea, headache, tiredness, decreased weight, or muscle/joint pain may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of hearing damage (such as ringing/roaring sounds in the ears, hearing loss, dizziness), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, wheezing/unusual trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using amikacin liposomal, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to amikacin; or to other aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as gentamicin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), hearing problems (including deafness, decreased hearing), kidney problems, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson's disease.

Amikacin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using this medication unless your doctor tells you to.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if inhaled amikacin liposomal passes into breast milk. However, other forms of this drug pass into breast milk in very small amounts. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store this medication in the refrigerator away from light. Do not freeze. This medication may also be stored at room temperature for up to 4 weeks. If stored at room temperature, use or discard after 4 weeks. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose is unlikely with amikacin liposomal that is inhaled or swallowed. However, if someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember on the same day. If it is the next day when you remember, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as breathing tests, hearing tests, kidney function) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.