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Compare Noxafil vs. Ambisome

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Posaconazole (Noxafil) and amphotericin B liposome (Ambisome) are both antifungal medications used to treat serious fungal infections. They are similar in that they both target infections caused by Aspergillus and Candida. However, posaconazole is also used to prevent serious fungal infections in people with weakened immune systems, while amphotericin B liposome is used to treat Cryptococcal meningitis and other serious fungal infections. Posaconazole is an azole antifungal available as an oral suspension, tablets, and an intravenous infusion. Amphotericin B liposome is given as an intravenous infusion, usually over 1 to 2 hours, and is not available in an oral form. Common side effects of posaconazole include diarrhea and nausea, while amphotericin B liposome can cause chills, nausea, and changes in kidney and liver tests. Posaconazole has many drug interactions, while amphotericin B liposome can cause kidney damage, especially if you have a history of kidney problems.

  • Posaconazole (Noxafil) infusion
    Ambisome (amphotericin B liposome)
  • Posaconazole (Noxafil) infusion
    Ambisome (amphotericin B liposome)

  • Summary of Noxafil vs. Ambisome

    Summary for Antifungal
    Prescription only

    Posaconazole (Noxafil) infusion is an azole antifungal. It's used to treat serious Aspergillus fungal infections in adults and children ages 13 years and older. It's also used to prevent Candida and Aspergillus infections (prophylaxis) in adults and children ages 2 years and older with weakened immune systems. Posaconazole (Noxafil) infusion is given as an infusion into the veins, typically twice a day on the first day and then once a day thereafter. This medication is available under the brand name Noxafil and as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and abnormal liver tests.

    Summary for Antifungal
    Prescription only

    Ambisome (amphotericin B liposome) is effective at treating many severe and deadly fungal infections, but it has many side effects.

  • Indications of Noxafil vs. Ambisome

    Indications for
    •Prevention of serious fungal infections caused by Candida and Aspergillus
    •Treatment of serious Aspergillus infection
    Indications 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)

  • Pros and Cons of Noxafil vs. Ambisome

    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Can be used in adults and children
    •Once-daily dosing after the first day
    •A good option for people who can't take medications by mouth
    Cons
    •Many interactions with other medications
    •Might not be a good option for people with moderate or severe kidney problems
    •Might not be safe during pregnancy
    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Treats life-threatening infections
    •Works when other antifungals fail
    •Not as hard on your kidneys as Abelcet (amphotericin B lipid complex)
    •Has been used safely in children as young as 1 year old
    Cons
    •Must be given through an IV line over 1 to 2 hours
    •Must be given in a hospital or by a trained home healthcare professional
    •Can be given for several weeks for more severe infections
    •Many side effects
    •Blood tests required

  • Common Side Effects of Noxafil vs. Ambisome

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (32%)
    •Low potassium levels (22%)
    •Fever (21%)
    •Nausea (19%)
    •Rash (15%)
    •Nose bleed (14%)
    •Headache (14%)
    •Stomach pain (13%)
    •Vomiting (12%)
    •Chills (12%)
    •Swelling in arms or legs (12%)

    Note: The side effects listed above were reported by adults taking posaconazole (Noxafil) infusion for prevention of fungal infections.

    Common Side Effects for

    Chance of experiencing side effects from Ambisome (amphotericin B liposome) varies depending on the dose that's being given.

    •Chills (40-48%)
    •Low potassium (38-43%)
    •Nausea (26-40%)
    •Rash (24-25%)
    •Vomiting (22-32%)
    •Diarrhea (15-30%)
    •Trouble breathing (18-23%)
    •Changes to liver blood tests (7-22%)
    •Changes to kidney blood tests (20-22%)
    •Stomach pain (13-20%)
    •Fever, chills, hives, and itching while Ambisome (amphotericin B liposome) is being infused or shortly after (11-19%)
    •Swelling (13-14%)

  • Warnings of Noxafil vs. Ambisome

    Common Side Effects for
    •QT prolongation (heart rhythm problem)
    •Changes in electrolytes
    •Liver damage
    •Interaction with transplant medications
    •Interaction with midazolam
    •Interaction with vincristine
    •Interaction with venetoclax
    Common Side Effects for
    •ALLERGIC REACTIONS
    •KIDNEY DAMAGE
    •LOW MAGNESIUM AND POTASSIUM
    •LIVER DAMAGE

  • Prices with our coupons for Noxafil vs. Ambisome

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    Learn more about Ambisome

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