Voriconazole

What is Voriconazole for?

Voriconazole is an antifungal medication used to prevent or treat fungal infections.

How should I take or use Voriconazole?

Voriconazole is usually taken two times daily. The doctor may change the dosage of voriconazole depending on blood tests results. Always follow the doctor's instructions strictly.

Voriconazole should be taken on any empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 1 hour after meals. If you are taking the oral suspension, shake well before use.

Enteral tube feedings may decrease oral absorption. Hold tube feedings for 1 hour before and 1 hour after a Voriconazole dose.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Voriconazole?

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is 6 hours or more after scheduled dosing, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Voriconazole?

Do not take any other medications or herbal products without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Some medication or food may reduce its efficacy, or increase the incidence of side effects where close monitoring is required.

Voriconazole may also increase the side effects of other medications such as cholesterol medications and immunosuppressants.

What are some common side effects of Voriconazole?

You may experience the following side effects while on Voriconazole.

Tell your doctor if you encounter any of them

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Low potassium, calcium and magnesium levels resulting in muscle pain or weakness
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen with high protection factor and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.
• Hallucinations (Seeing or hearing things that are not there)
• Bright lights may bother you. Wear sunglasses.
• Visual changes. Avoid tasks which depend on vision, including operating machinery or driving.

Please inform your doctor if experience any other side effects of if the side effects become severe and bothersome.

There are some potentially serious, but less common side effects that may be experienced. If they occur, seek medical attention immediately :

• Rash and other signs of allergic reactions such as tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swelling in the mouth, face, or lips.
• Visual changes including blurred vision, colour perception and sensitivity to bright light.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, inability to eat a full meal or feeling full after only a small amount of food, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-coloured stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Signs of a pancreas problem (pancreatitis) like very bad stomach pain, very bad back pain, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.
• Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
• Fast heartbeat, a heartbeat that does not feel normal, or passing out.

How should I store Voriconazole?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight
• Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Powder for oral suspension
  Store at 2-8°C ( in refrigerator) before reconstitution.
  Reconstituted suspension : Store at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep the container tightly closed. Any remaining suspension should be discarded 14 days after reconstitution (refer to administration PIL for Voriconazole suspension)
  Tablet
  Store at room temperature, in a cool, dry place.

What else should I know about Voriconazole?

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to voriconazole.

Before starting voriconazole, do inform your doctor of any other medications that you are already on. Do not take during pregnancy.

Effective contraception is advised in females of childbearing potential.