Forcan I.V injection

FORCAN INFUSION contains Fluconazole which belongs to the group of medicines called Antifungal agents. It is used in adults and children for the management fungal infections including candidiasis, mucosal thrush (infection affecting the lining of mouth, throat, esophagus, bronchuses and lungs) when oral management is not possible and cryptococcal meningitis (fungal infection in the brain).

FORCAN INFUSION is also used to manage candida fungal infections in patients having reduced amounts of white blood cells (neutropenia) following bone marrow transplants.

Before receiving FORCAN INFUSION inform your doctor if you have kidney, liver or heart problems, AIDS or yeast infection. FORCAN INFUSION is not recommended to use among women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

FORCAN INFUSION can be used in children and adolescents. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for your child, so consult with your child’s doctor. FORCAN INFUSION should be used with caution in elderly patients.

The most common side effects of receiving FORCAN INFUSION are headache, rash, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea. Contact your doctor if any of the above symptoms worsen or persists.

USES OF FORCAN INFUSION

Manages fungal infections such as:

• candidiasis
• mucosal thrush (infection affecting the lining of mouth, throat, esophagus, bronchuses and lungs)
• cryptococcal meningitis (fungal infection of the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord)

Prevents,

• candida fungal infections in patients having reduced amounts of white blood cells (neutropenia) following bone marrow transplants

HOW FORCAN INFUSION WORKS

FORCAN INFUSION helps in manage fungal infection where Fluconazole inhibits the synthesis of certain compounds (ergosterol) that are essential components of the fungal cell membrane, resulting into increased cellular permeability that causes leaking of cellular contents. Moreover, it also impairs various important biological processes inside the fungal cell body required for its survival, thereby killing the fungal cell bodies.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

FORCAN INFUSION will be given to you only by a doctor or a nurse into a vein as an intravenous infusion or a slow injection. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of FORCAN INFUSION for you depending on your age, body weight and disease condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF FORCAN INFUSION

COMMON

• headache
• rash
• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• diarrhea
• changes in blood test of liver function characterized by stomach pain, pale stools, dark urine, nausea, tiredness

UNCOMMON

• signs of reduction in red blood cells (anaemia) such as skin paleness, weakness or breathlessness
• changes in taste, dry mouth
• constipation
• dizziness
• indigestion
• flatulence
• itching or rash, swelling or blistering, wheals
• increased sweating
• decreased appetite or increased appetite
• elevated liver and kidney enzymes
• abnormal sleep
• vertigo, paraesthesia (numbness or tingling sensation)
• muscle pain
• feeling weak and tired
• fever

RARE

• increased fats in the blood
• decreased levels of potassium leading to weakness and an irregular or fast heartbeat
• tremor
• hair loss
• skin itching, reddening or scaling
• red patches, blistering skin

Stop receiving FORCAN INFUSION and contact your physician immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

• fits
• yellowing of the skin and eyes and liver abnormalities
• allergic reaction (symptoms of swollen face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty in swallowing, hives and difficulty in breathing)
• severe skin reaction which causes the detachment of the outer layer of skin (Toxic epidermal necrolysis)
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome (signs include severe rashes that may involve blistering and peeling of the skin)
• lesions or ulcers in the mouth, throat and skin
• liver problems and toxicity (that includes liver failure and hepatitis)
• widespread rash, high body temperature and enlarged lymph nodes (DRESS syndrome or drug hypersensitivity syndrome)

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Diarrhea:

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated. Do not consume any medicine on your own without consulting your doctor. Ask for your doctor’s advice if diarrhea doesn’t improve.

Nausea:

Stick to simple meals while receiving FORCAN INFUSION. Avoid eating rich or spicy food. Do not take any medication on your own. Ask for your doctor’s advice if nausea doesn’t improve.

Headache:

Try to take rest and don’t involve yourself in exertive activities. Rest in a quiet and dark room. Apply a pain-relieving balm on your forehead. Ask for your doctor’s advice if headache doesn’t improve

Vomiting:

Drink clear or ice-cold drinks. Eat light, bland foods and avoid fried, oily or sweet foods. Avoid carbonated drinks. Ask for your doctor’s advice if vomiting doesn’t improve.

Dizziness:

Lie or sit down immediately when you feel dizzy. If you're feeling severe episode of spinning(vertigo), lie in a dark and quite place with eyes closed. Try to avoid vehicle driving. Discuss with your doctor if the symptom worsens.

Flatulence:

Eat smaller and frequent meals. Eat and drink slow and exercise regularly. If it does not improve, contact your doctor.

Constipation:

Eat plenty of fiber rich foods such as vegetables, fresh fruits and cereals and drink plenty of water. Exercise more regularly. Ask for your doctor’s advice if constipation doesn’t improve

Dry mouth:

Dry mouth can be managed by chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free hard candies to stimulate the flow of saliva. Sip water at regular intervals of time. Do not use mouthwashes that contain alcohol because they can be drying. Consult your physician for advice.

Drowsiness:

Take adequate sleep. Do not involve in rigorous activities. Do not interfere with your sleep cycle. Talk to your doctor if the drowsiness doesn’t improve.

Muscle pain:

Give your body a rest. Do not overexert or over stretch yourself. Do stress relieving activities such as yoga or meditation. If the symptom doesn’t improve, ask for your doctor’s advice.