Vfend

What is Vfend?

Antifungal medication Vfend.The prescription drug Vfend treats infections that are caused by yeast and other types of fungus. The infections that cause these symptoms are "aspergillosis,esophageal candidiasis," Scedosporium, "Fusarium", and "candidemia."Vfend may be safe for children under 2 years of age, but its effectiveness is unknown.

Warnings

If you're pregnant, do not use Vfend. This could cause harm to the baby.Voriconazole can interact with many drugs that are dangerous or even life-threatening. Inform your doctor of all prescriptions and OTC medications that you take.Tell your doctor before taking Vfend if you suffer from heart rhythm issues, electrolyte problems, kidney or liver disease, or have a history of allergies to antifungal drugs such as fluconazole, ketoconazole, and itraconazole.

Do not stop taking Vfend before the prescribed time. You may experience symptom improvement before your infection has completely resolved. You may increase the risk of a second infection resistant to antifungal medication if you skip doses. This medication will not work on viral infections such as a common cold or the flu.

Voriconazole may cause vision problems. You may want to get your vision checked if you have used Vfend for longer than 28 days.

Before you take this drug

If you have an allergy to voriconazole, then Vfend is not for you.

Many drugs have dangerous interactions and can cause harmful effects. Vfend should never 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); or
• "ergot" migraine headache medicines (dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, and methylergonovine).

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Vfend will be safe for you:

• Heart disease or heart rhythm disorders;
• High or low calcium, potassium, or magnesium levels in your blood
• Liver or kidney disease
• Trouble digesting dairy or sugar products (Vfend tablet contains lactose; Vfend liquid is sucrose).

Voriconazole can harm an unborn child. Prevent pregnancy with effective birth control, 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 most effective form of birth control during Vfend treatment.Breastfeeding may be unsafe while taking this medication. Before undertaking any risks-intensive activity, consult with a doctor first.Anyone younger than two years of age is not allowed to use Vfend.

How to take Vfend?

Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all instructions or medication guides. Read all the instructions on the prescription label.Take Vfend tablets or liquid (orally) at least an hour before or after a meal.Before measuring a dosage, shake the fluid. You can use the syringe that comes with it or a dose-measuring device.

Mixing Vfend Liquid or any other liquid with medicine is not recommended.The Vfend injection is administered as a gradual infusion over a period of 1 to 2 hours. Voriconazole injections are usually only given if the patient is unable to swallow them. Your healthcare provider may give you your first dosage and teach you to use it properly.The powder form of Vfend Injection must be diluted with liquid before use. If you are using the injections yourself, 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 changes or if it contains particles, do not see it. For new medication, call your pharmacist.Store the mixed injection in the fridge and use it within 24 hours. Don't freeze.Never reuse a syringe or needle. Put them into a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof and follows local or state laws. Avoid putting them in the reach of pets and children.Vfend can be given up to a few days after tests have shown that an infection is cleared. Very serious infections can 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 work on viruses, such as the flu or a cold.Your blood may be tested frequently. You may need your vision, kidney, and liver functions checked.

Keep the Vfend tablet and liquid away from heat, moisture, or cold. Store Vfend at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. When not being used, keep the bottle of medicine tightly shut. After 14 days, throw away all unused fluid.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you are almost due for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never take more than one dose at a time.

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. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses in the daylight. If you are driving or doing anything else that requires alertness and the ability to see clearly, be careful.

Avoid tanning or exposure to the sun. Voriconazole may make your skin more sensitive to the sun or lead to serious reactions, such as lesions, which can cause skin cancer. When outdoors, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater.

Side effects of Vfend

If you experience symptoms of an allergic response to Vfend, such as hives, difficulty breathing or swelling, or severe skin reactions, including fever, sore eyes, burning skin, blistering, peeling, and red skin, seek emergency medical attention.

If you experience a severe drug reaction, seek medical attention. Symptoms include skin rash or hives, fever, swelling of the glands or muscles, weakness, or unusual bruises.

Some side effects can occur when the injection is given. You should tell your doctor if you experience any of the following: nausea, dizziness, headaches, itchiness, sweating, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or swelling on your face.

If you experience:

• You may experience rapid or pounding pulses, chest fluttering, a sudden feeling of dizziness, and shortness of breath.
• A sunburn;
• Changes in color perception can cause vision problems.
• Easy bruising or bleeding; purple or red patches under the skin
• Slow heartbeat weak pulse, fainting, and slow breathing
• Increased adrenal gland hormones: increased hair growth, depression, fatigue, heart palpitations, headaches, discoloration of the skin, mood swings, muscle weakness, and missed periods
• Reduced adrenal gland hormones; stomach pain and loss of appetite; feeling lightheaded or nauseous; joint pains; discoloration of the skin; desire for salty food.
• Kidney problems: no or little urination; swelling of your ankles or feet.
• Liver disorders: nausea; vomiting. Flu-like symptoms such as itching and fatigue Jaundice.
• Signs of Electrolyte Imbalance: dizziness, numbness, or tingling Constipation. Increased thirst or urine. Feeling jittery. Leg cramps. Muscle spasms.

Vfend may cause side effects such as:

• Fever, chills, a stuffy nose, and sneezing Sinus pain. Cough, sore throat
• Blood in the nose, bruising, bleeding;
• Rapid heartbeat or high blood pressure.
• Electrolyte imbalance;
• Stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and  constipation;
• Kidney problems;
• You may experience swelling in your feet or hands.
• Dizziness;
• Rash;
• Abnormal liver function tests

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drug

Voriconazole can cause interactions with many drugs. Some drugs shouldn't be taken together. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you have stopped using. Included are prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines. This list does not include all interactions.