ARIKAYCE ratings & reviews

Amikacin
Company: Insmed
Brand: ARIKAYCE
Drug class: Respiratory System
+3 more
Respiratory System, Respiratory Anti-infectives, Respiratory Antibiotics, Respiratory Aminoglycoside Antibiotics
Overall rating
3.5
full star full star full star half star empty star
Ranked #11
Physician ratings
  • Efficacy: effective for its intended use
  • Safety: safe to use in humans
  • Tolerability: low drug side effects
  • Accessibility: insurance/payer coverage, cost, affordability,formulary coverage, availability in your hospital or practice setting
  • Adherence: patient compliance with treatment
Efficacy
3.7/5
Safety
3.5/5
Tolerability
3.4/5
Accessibility
3.5/5
Adherence
3.6/5

Sermo AI Overview

  • Overall, Arikayce's effectiveness shows significant variability across various infections, with some specialists recognizing its benefits, while others express skepticism regarding its safety and tolerability, leading to cautious use in practice.
  • Physicians have expressed concerns about Arikayce's efficacy and safety ratings, particularly noticing lower effectiveness in treating conditions like diabetic foot ulcers and osteomyelitis, where it is often not a first-choice medication.
  • While Arikayce is reported to have a favorable efficacy profile for conditions such as pyelonephritis, broader accessibility and tolerability issues can influence patient adherence, raising questions about its practicality as a treatment option.
  • Concerns about side effects and potential risks, particularly in sensitive patient populations like those with diabetes, are noted by physicians, which may impact treatment decisions and the overall perception of Arikayce's safety.
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Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

ARIKAYCE contains the active ingredient amikacin sulfate, an aminoglycoside antibacterial, in liposome form. It is formulated as a white milky suspension for oral inhalation, with each unit-dose vial containing 590 mg of amikacin in an 8.4 mL solution. Key inactive ingredients include cholesterol and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, among others. ARIKAYCE is administered using a specialized nebulizer system, which delivers the medication directly to the lungs.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for inhalation using a nebulizer. Nebulizers make a liquid into an aerosol that you breathe in through your mouth or your mouth and nose and into your lungs. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Take all of this medication unless your care team tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

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

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store in a refrigerator or at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F).

Refrigeration (preferred): Store in the refrigerator at 2 to 8 degrees C (36 to 46 degrees F). Do not freeze. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

Room Temperature: This medication may be stored at room temperature for up to 4 weeks. If it is stored at room temperature, get rid of any unused medication after 4 weeks or after it expires, whichever is first.

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.

Side Effects

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
  • Coughing up blood
  • Dry cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  • Hearing loss, ringing in ears
  • Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
  • Wheezing or trouble breathing

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

  • Change in voice, hoarseness
  • Cough
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Sore throat

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.

Warnings & Precautions

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
  • Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD
  • 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

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
  • 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?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

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.

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.

You should make sure you get enough vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 while you are taking this medication. Discuss the food you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

Tell your healthcare provider if you have problems with your lungs such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema. This medicine can worsen wheezing and breathing problems in patients with lung disease.

This medicine may cause serious, life threatening lung damage.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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