AFUNDAS-L 50mg Infusion/Powder for concentrate for solution for

What is AFUNDAS-L 50mg

AFUNDAS-L 50mg is an antifungal medication that contains the active ingredient Caspofungin. It is supplied as a powder that must be reconstituted and further diluted before being administered via intravenous infusion. Caspofungin belongs to a class of antifungal agents called echinocandins.

• It is used for the treatment of serious fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised patients such as those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplantation.
• AFUNDAS-L is effective against Candida and Aspergillus species, making it particularly useful for treating invasive candidiasis, esophageal candidiasis, and invasive aspergillosis in patients who are intolerant or refractory to other treatments.
• This medicine is administered only under the supervision of a healthcare professional in a hospital or specialized care setting.
• AFUNDAS-L works by inhibiting the synthesis of beta-(1,3)-D-glucan, an essential component of the fungal cell wall, leading to cell lysis and death.

It is important to note that AFUNDAS-L is not effective against bacterial infections or viral infections like the flu or common cold. Proper diagnosis through fungal culture or relevant clinical assessments is required prior to initiating therapy.

How to use AFUNDAS-L 50mg

AFUNDAS-L 50mg is a prescription-only medicine and should be used strictly under the guidance of a healthcare professional. It is formulated as a lyophilized powder that requires proper reconstitution and dilution prior to intravenous administration.

• Reconstitution: The powder must be dissolved in sterile water for injection or another recommended diluent to prepare a concentrated solution.
• Dilution: The reconstituted solution is then further diluted in a compatible intravenous fluid (usually 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% dextrose) before infusion.
• Administration: The final solution is infused intravenously over approximately 1 hour.
• Duration: Treatment duration varies depending on the type and severity of infection and the patient’s immune status. It usually ranges from 7 to 14 days or longer in cases of persistent infection.

Important Instructions:

• Ensure aseptic technique during preparation and administration to prevent contamination.
• Do not mix with other medications or infuse with other IV solutions simultaneously.
• Monitor for infusion-related reactions such as rash, fever, or hypotension during and after administration.
• The infusion should be administered in a hospital setting with appropriate resuscitation equipment available.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and report any unusual symptoms immediately.

Mode of Action AFUNDAS-L 50mg

The pharmacological effect of AFUNDAS-L (Caspofungin) is due to its ability to inhibit fungal cell wall synthesis, which is vital for fungal survival and proliferation.

• Target Enzyme: Caspofungin inhibits the enzyme β-(1,3)-D-glucan synthase, which is essential for the formation of β-(1,3)-D-glucan, a crucial component of the fungal cell wall.
• Cell Wall Disruption: Without sufficient β-glucan, the integrity of the fungal cell wall is compromised, leading to osmotic instability and eventual cell lysis.
• Fungicidal vs Fungistatic: Caspofungin exhibits fungicidal activity against most Candida species and fungistatic activity against Aspergillus species.
• Selectivity: The drug targets a component absent in human cells, making it relatively safe and specific to fungi.

Its mode of action allows it to be used effectively in systemic infections where other antifungal agents may have failed due to resistance or toxicity.

AFUNDAS-L 50mg Interactions AFUNDAS-L 50mg

AFUNDAS-L (Caspofungin) can interact with other medications, affecting its plasma concentration or therapeutic efficacy. Drug interactions may result in either increased toxicity or reduced effectiveness.

• Cyclosporine: Co-administration may increase liver enzyme levels (ALT), requiring monitoring of liver function.
• Rifampin: This potent inducer of hepatic enzymes can reduce Caspofungin levels. Dose adjustment of AFUNDAS-L may be necessary.
• Efavirenz, Nevirapine, Phenytoin, Dexamethasone: These drugs may also lower the plasma concentration of Caspofungin by enhancing its metabolism.
• Tacrolimus: Caspofungin may decrease tacrolimus levels. Close monitoring of tacrolimus levels is recommended.

General Recommendations:

• Always inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines you are taking.
• Monitor liver function tests when AFUNDAS-L is used with drugs known to affect the liver.
• Adjustments in dosage may be necessary depending on the drug combination and patient condition.

Dosage of AFUNDAS-L 50mg

AFUNDAS-L dosage is individualized based on the type of fungal infection and the patient’s body weight and liver function. Dosage must be determined by a healthcare provider.

• Initial Dose: A loading dose of 70mg IV on the first day is recommended for most adults.
• Maintenance Dose: Followed by a daily dose of 50mg IV once daily from the second day onward.
• Adjustments: In patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B), a reduced maintenance dose of 35mg daily is suggested.
• Pediatric Use: Dosage is calculated based on body surface area. For example, 50 mg/m² once daily after a 70 mg/m² loading dose.

Important Notes:

• Administer over approximately 1 hour via intravenous infusion.
• No dosage adjustment is required in renal impairment.
• Duration of therapy depends on the patient's clinical response and should continue for at least 14 days after the last positive culture or signs of infection.

Always follow the doctor's exact dosage schedule and never adjust the dose on your own.

Possible side effects of AFUNDAS-L 50mg

Like all medications, AFUNDAS-L (Caspofungin) may cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most are mild to moderate in severity and manageable.

• Common Side Effects:
• Fever
• Headache
• Chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST)
• Less Common but Serious Effects:
• Rash, itching, or flushing during infusion (suggestive of hypersensitivity)
• Facial swelling or difficulty breathing (signs of anaphylaxis – rare)
• Phlebitis at the injection site
• Hypokalemia (low potassium levels)
• Laboratory Abnormalities:
• Increase in serum creatinine or BUN
• Altered electrolytes
• Changes in complete blood count

Monitoring: Patients receiving AFUNDAS-L should be monitored regularly for signs of liver dysfunction, electrolyte imbalance, and allergic reactions.

AFUNDAS-L 50mg Contraindications AFUNDAS-L 50mg

AFUNDAS-L (Caspofungin) is generally safe but is contraindicated or should be used with caution in certain patient populations.

• Known Hypersensitivity: Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Caspofungin or any component of the formulation.
• Severe Allergic Reactions: Patients who have experienced anaphylaxis or severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome) with echinocandins should not use this drug.
• Severe Liver Impairment: Use with caution or avoid if the patient has Child-Pugh class C liver disease unless benefits outweigh the risks.
• Pregnancy: Should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
• Lactation: Not known if Caspofungin is excreted in breast milk. Caution is advised when used in breastfeeding women.

Always assess benefit-risk ratio before initiating therapy in special populations, including pediatrics, geriatrics, and those with organ dysfunction.

Storage of AFUNDAS-L 50mg

Proper storage of AFUNDAS-L ensures its efficacy and safety until the point of administration.

• Storage Temperature: Store the lyophilized powder at 2°C to 8°C (refrigerated). Do not freeze.
• Protect from Light: Keep the vial in the original carton to protect it from light.
• After Reconstitution: The reconstituted concentrate should be used within 24 hours when stored at 2°C–8°C.
• After Dilution: The final diluted infusion solution should be used within 24 hours if kept at room temperature or refrigerated.
• Handling: Avoid shaking the vial vigorously during reconstitution to maintain stability.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and never use expired or visibly altered solutions. Proper disposal procedures should be followed for any unused or expired product.