Utility and improvement of liposome injections AmBisome® for clinical use

Abstract

We have studied AmBisome®, which is amphotericin B containing liposomes, used in the treatment of mycosis. Any potential problems regarding the liposome formulation remain unknown because it is a new dosage form. AmBisome® is useful in that it can decrease adverse reactions while maintaining a therapeutic effect. However, it is doubtful whether AmBisome® is suitable in a busy clinical environment. For example, this formulation should be filtered with an established filter. We then carried out a questionnaire survey involving medical staff (doctors and nurses) to clarify the problems regarding the liposome formulation and its practical utilization. Most doctors were satisfied with the effect of AmBisome®, but about 90% of nurses who had used the preparation answered that it was troublesome to use the filter. On the other hand, only 40% of doctors understood how to use the filter when AmBisome® was made up; 14% of nurses also did not know how to use the filter.We thought this was because they were not shown how to use it; actually, 30% of doctors were shown the preparation method by medical representatives (MR), although no nurse received an explanation. The residual rate of amphotericin B on 100 used filter pieces differed 50-fold between the minimum and maximum values. AmBisome® is effective as an antifungal agent. However, pharmaceutical companies must liaise with medical staff for its effective clinical use.We hope that such companies will have exchanges with medical staff to develop safe and simple medicines, and that liposomes will be effective for many patients. © 2010 The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.