VFEND (oral/injection)

What is Voriconazole?

Voriconazole treats infections caused by fungus or yeast.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of voriconazole.

Side effects of Voriconazole

If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe reaction to the skin (fever or sore throat with burning eyes, skin pain or blistering, or a red or purple rash), seek emergency medical attention.

If you experience a severe drug reaction, seek medical attention. Symptoms include skin rash or hives, swollen or swollen-looking glands, muscle pain, weakness, and unusual bruises.Some side effects can occur during the injection. You should tell your doctor if you experience nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, itching, sweating, chest tightness, or backache.

VFEND can cause serious side effects. If you experience:

• You may experience rapid or pounding pulses, fluttering of the chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness.
• A sunburn;
• Changes in color vision can cause vision problems.
• Easy bruising, unusual bleeding, or purple or red patches under the skin
• Fainting; slow breathing.
• Increased adrenal gland hormonal hunger and weight gain; skin discoloration; sweating; acne; body hair growth; mood changes; missed periods; sexual changes
• Reduced adrenal gland hormones: stomach pain, lightheadedness, feeling of pain in the joints or muscles, discoloration of the skin, and a desire for salty foods
• Kidney problems: little or no urine; swelling of the feet or ankles.
• Liver problems: nausea, vomiting, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, itching, or jaundice
• Signs of an electrolyte imbalance: dizziness, numbness or tingling, constipation, increased thirst or urination, irregular heartbeats, coughing or choking feeling, feeling jittery, leg cramps, muscle spasms, muscle weakness, or limp feeling.

VFEND can cause the following side effects:

• Fever, chills; stuffy nose; sneezing Sinus pain. Cough, sore throat
• Blood in the nose, bruising, bleeding;
• Rapid heart rate or high blood pressure.
• Electrolyte imbalance;
• Stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and  constipation;
• Kidney problems;
• You may experience swelling in your hands or feet.
• Headache, dizziness, and hallucinations are all symptoms of headaches.
• Rash;
• Abnormal liver function tests

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.

Similar/related drugs

Fluconazole, ketoconazole, diflucan, itraconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, and posaconazole

Warnings

Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking, as well as any new ones. Some drugs are not to be taken together, and others can cause drug interactions.

Before you take this drug

If you have an allergy to voriconazole, it is best not to use it.

Many drugs can cause harmful interactions. Voriconazole should not be taken with certain drugs. If you are also taking

• Carbamazepine;
• Cisapride;
• Efavirenz;
• Ivabradine;
• Lurasidone;
• Naloxegol;
• Pimozide;
• Quinidine;
• Rifabutin, rifampin;
• Ritonavir;
• Sirolimus;
• John's Wort;
• Tolvaptan;
• Venetoclax;
• Certain barbiturates (mephobarbital, phenobarbital);
• "ergot" migraine headache medicines (dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, and methylergonovine).

Inform your doctor of any of the following issues:

• Heart disease or a heart rhythm problem;
• High or low calcium, potassium, or magnesium levels in your blood
• Liver or kidney disease
• Trouble digesting dairy or sugar products (voriconazole liquid and tablets contain sucrose, while voriconazole tablets contain lactose).

Voriconazole can harm an unborn child. Use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy, and inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant.

Voriconazole may interact with some birth-control pills and cause side effects. Consult your doctor to determine the best method of birth control during voriconazole treatment.Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.Anyone younger than two years of age is not allowed to use Voriconazole.

How to take Voriconazole?

Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label.Take oral voriconazole tablets or liquid at least one hour before or after a meal.Before measuring a dose, shake the liquid. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon).Voriconazole liquid should not be mixed with other liquids or medicines.

Voriconazole is injected slowly into a vein over a period of 1 to 2 hours. Voriconazole injections are only given if the patient cannot take them orally. Your healthcare provider may give you your first dose and teach you how to use the medicine properly.

Voriconazole is a powder that must be mixed with a liquid before use. If you are using injections on your own, make sure that you know how to mix and store them.Only prepare your injection when you're ready to administer it. If the color of your medicine has changed or if it contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist.Store the mixed injectable in the fridge and use it within a 24-hour period. Do not freeze.

Never reuse a syringe or needle. Put them in a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof, and dispose of the sharps according to local or state laws. Keep away from children and pets.Occasionally, voriconazole may be given for up to a few days after laboratory tests indicate that the virus is no longer present. Some infections are so severe that they may require treatment for several weeks.Even if you feel better quickly, continue to take this medication for the entire prescribed time. You can get an infection resistant to the medication if you skip doses. Voriconazole does not treat a virus such as the flu or the common cold.

You may require frequent blood tests. You may need to have your vision, kidney, or liver functions checked.Voriconazole liquid and tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Store voriconazole at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. When not in use, keep the bottle of medicine tightly closed. After 14 days, throw away any liquid that has not been used.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.

If you missed a dose, call your doctor to get instructions.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

Avoid this

Voriconazole can cause blurred vision or sensitivity to bright light. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes during the day from bright lights. If you are driving or doing anything else that requires you to be alert and see clearly, you should take care.

Avoid tanning beds or exposure to sunlight. The voriconazole may make you more sensitive or even cause skin lesions, which can lead to cancer.

Interaction with other drug

Voriconazole can be affected by many drugs. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking.