Shortage of injectable amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate complex

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports a shortage of injectable amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate complex. Alkopharma purchased this drug, brand name Amphotec, and contracted its manufacture to Ben Venue Laboratories. This shortage arises from the voluntary closure of Ben Venue's facility. This drug is very important to chronically ill people or people whose immune system is not functioning well due to disease or drugs. Such patients often suffer from very serious fungal infections, but cannot tolerate the  damage caused by amphotericin B deoxycholate, the form usually administered first. Amphotericin B is effective against fungi because of its action on components of their membranes. Unfortunately, humans have the same membrane components, so toxicity to human cells is a problem that is partially alleviated by using Amphotec. Because Amphotec is a complex in which the drug is enclosed in a liposome, it is much better tolerated by the kidneys than amphotericin B deoxycholate.