Arikayce

In clinical trials, some people reported having an allergic reaction called hypersensitivity pneumonitis while they used Arikayce (amikacin). Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, weight loss, and abnormal sounds when you breathe. Let your care team know if you have any of these symptoms. You might need to stop taking Arikayce (amikacin) and start treatment for this condition.

In clinical trials, some people who took Arikayce (amikacin) coughed up blood, which can be concerning. Get medical help right away if you notice blood when you cough.

• Risk factors: History of lung problems (e.g., asthma, COPD)

Inhaled medications, including Arikayce (amikacin), can cause bronchospasm, or a muscle spasm in your lungs. This can cause your airways to tighten and lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, or chest discomfort. Get medical help right away if you become short of breath after you use Arikayce (amikacin).

Tell your care team if you have a history of lung problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They might prescribe a bronchodilator like albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin) or levalbuterol (Xopenex) for you to use before your dose of Arikayce (amikacin) to help you breathe easier.

Rarely, Arikayce (amikacin) can cause serious allergic reactions, including those that are life-threatening. Get medical help right away if you experience hives, difficulty breathing, dizziness, swelling in your face or throat, or other signs of anaphylaxis.

• Risk factors: History of hearing problems, including difficulty with hearing | History of balance problems | Taking other medications that cause hearing loss

Arikayce (amikacin) can cause ringing in the ears or sometimes even permanent partial or total hearing loss. Your risk is higher if you're also taking other medications that can cause hearing loss, such as water pills (e.g., furosemide (Lasix)). Depending on how long you need treatment with Arikayce (amikacin), you might need to get hearing tests done regularly while you're taking the medication. Seek medical help right away or contact your care team if you notice changes in your hearing (e.g., ringing in the ears), feel dizzy, or feel off balance.

• Risk factors: Kidney problems | Taking other medications that can cause kidney injury

Aminoglycoside antibiotics, like Arikayce (amikacin), can raise your risk for kidney injury. Your care team might check your blood work to make sure your kidneys are okay while you're taking this medication if you already have kidney problems. Let your care team know if you're making less urine than normal or if you notice fluid buildup in your legs and feet, since these are potential signs of kidney injury.

• Risk factors: Myasthenia gravis | Other neuromuscular conditions

Aminoglycoside antibiotics, like Arikayce (amikacin), might cause muscle weakness, especially in people who have neuromuscular conditions, like myasthenia gravis. In severe cases, this can be paralyzing and affect your ability to breathe. Let your care team know right away if you have any kind of muscle weakness while you're taking this medication.

Aminoglycoside antibiotics, like Arikayce (amikacin), can cause harm to your unborn baby if you take them while pregnant. There isn't enough information to know whether Arikayce (amikacin) specifically can cause harm during pregnancy. And it might not be as likely to happen with Arikayce (amikacin) because the medication mostly stays in the lungs. But it's important to be aware of this risk because there are reports of deafness in unborn babies with other forms of aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., injection). Talk to your care team about the risks and benefits of using Arikayce (amikacin) if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant.