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Abelcet

amphotericin B lipid complex
Used for Fungal Infection
Used for Fungal Infection

Abelcet (amphotericin B) is infused intravenously (IV) by a healthcare provider to treat serious fungal infections. It's typically given to people who aren't able to tolerate the standard amphotericin B because of kidney problems, since it's less toxic to the kidneys. It can also be used by people for whom the standard amphotericin B didn't work well. The most common side effects are chills and fevers. Abelcet (amphotericin B) is brand only and can be expensive.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Connie Zheng, PharmD
Last reviewed on May 10, 2022
BasicsFAQsAlternativesPricesMedicare
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What is Abelcet (amphotericin B)?

What is Abelcet (amphotericin B) used for?

  • Fungal infections in people who couldn't tolerate the standard amphotericin B antifungal or for whom the standard treatment didn't work well

How Abelcet (amphotericin B) works

Are you looking for information on amphotericin B liposome (Ambisome) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAbelcet
Drug ClassAntifungal
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
faqs

Frequently asked questions about Abelcet (amphotericin B)

How does Abelcet (amphotericin B) work?
Abelcet (amphotericin B) is an antifungal that's used to treat fungal infections. It works by attaching to substances called sterols that are found in the protective covering of certain fungi. This causes the fungal cells to leak, which eventually kills the fungi.
When is Abelcet (amphotericin B) typically used?
Abelcet (amphotericin B) is used to treat a wide variety of serious fungal infections. But it isn't a first-choice medication. Instead, Abelcet (amphotericin B) is typically only given to you if the standard amphotericin B (known as deoxycholate amphotericin B) didn't work well to treat your infection, or if you can't use the standard treatment because of kidney problems. Studies show that Abelcet (amphotericin B) causes less kidney damage compared with the standard amphotericin B treatment.
How is Abelcet (amphotericin B) given?
Abelcet (amphotericin B) is typically given as an infusion through the veins (IV) by a healthcare provider. The infusion is usually done in the hospital because people who need this medication often have serious infections that need medical support. But if your provider thinks it's appropriate, you can get the infusion at an outpatient infusion center or in a home-care setting. The typical daily dose of Abelcet (amphotericin B) is 5 mg/kg of body weight, given as a single IV infusion.
What are the side effects of Abelcet (amphotericin B)?
In clinical trials, the most common side effects people experienced with Abelcet (amphotericin B) are chills and fever. These symptoms typically appeared 1 to 2 hours after the start of the IV infusion, and are more frequently felt with the first few doses of Abelcet (amphotericin B). Some people also reported serious side effects, such as kidney damage, multiple organ failure, and severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Please be aware that many of the people in the clinical trials had serious infections, other medical conditions, and were taking other medications, so the side effects might not be linked to Abelcet (amphotericin B) alone.
What's the difference between Ambisome and Abelcet (amphotericin B)?
Both Ambisome and Abelcet are 2 different, less kidney-damaging, alternatives to the standard amphotericin B. They both contain amphotericin B as the active medication, but are made in different lipid (fat) formulations to lessen the toxic effects on the kidney. They differ in their shape, size, and how they are cleared from the body, so the recommended dose between the two brands can be different. Ambisome causes less kidney damage and infusion reactions compared to Abelcet (amphotericin B) at similar doses. Talk with your provider if you have questions about these two medications.
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alternatives

What are alternatives to Abelcet (amphotericin B)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Abelcet (amphotericin B). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Abelcet (amphotericin B)
Used for:

  • Fungal infections in people who couldn't tolerate the standard amphotericin B antifungal or for whom the standard treatment didn't work well

View Prices
Ambisome (amphotericin B liposome)
Used for:

  • Fungal infections in people with a fever and a low number of white blood cells

  • Cryptococcal meningitis in people with HIV

  • People with severe fungal infections caused by Aspergillus, Candida, or Cryptococcus who have already tried other antifungals or cannot take other antifungals

  • Black fever (visceral leishmaniasis)

View Prices
Voriconazole (Vfend)
Used for:
$76.70 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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