Amikacin Injection

What is this medication?

AMIKACIN (am i KAY sin) treats infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Amikin, Amikin Pediatric

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Have been told you have an increased likelihood of hearing problems
• Kidney disease
• Myasthenia gravis
• Parkinson disease
• Personal or family history of hearing loss or problems
• An unusual or allergic reaction to amikacin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein or muscle. It is usually given by a care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Use exactly as directed. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Cidofovir

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• Cisplatin
• Cyclosporine
• Diuretics
• Estrogen or progestin hormones
• Medications that relax muscles
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Other medications for infection, such as acyclovir, adefovir, amphotericin B, bacitracin, foscarnet, ganciclovir, gentamicin, pentamidine, vancomycin
• Pamidronate
• Zoledronic acid

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need blood work while you are taking this medication.

Your hearing may be tested before and during the use of this medication. Tell your care team right away if you have any change in your hearing.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your care team if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

Make sure you get enough vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.

Discuss this medication with your care team if you may be pregnant. There are reports of hearing loss in infants exposed to this medication during pregnancy. There are benefits and risks to taking medications during pregnancy. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Hearing loss, ringing in ears
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet, muscle weakness, change in vision, confusion or trouble speaking, loss of balance or coordination, trouble walking, seizures
• Severe diarrhea, fever
• Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Headache
• Nausea
• Skin rash

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

If you are using this medication at home, you will be instructed on how to store it. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date on the label.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.