Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: VFEND

Generic Name: voriconazole (Pronunciation: vor i KON a zole)

• What is voriconazole (VFEND)?
• What are the possible side effects of voriconazole (VFEND)?
• What is the most important information I should know about voriconazole (VFEND)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking voriconazole (VFEND)?
• How should I take voriconazole (VFEND)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (VFEND)?
• What happens if I overdose (VFEND)?
• What should I avoid while taking voriconazole (VFEND)?
• What other drugs will affect voriconazole (VFEND)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is voriconazole (VFEND)?

Voriconazole is an antifungal medication.

Voriconazole is used to treat infections caused by yeast or other types of fungus.

Voriconazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of voriconazole (VFEND)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• sudden behavior changes, problems with thinking or speech;
• upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• uneven heart rate, chest pain, general ill feeling; or
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• vision problems such as blurred vision, eyes being more sensitive to light;
• fever;
• mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• headache; or
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about voriconazole (VFEND)?

There are many other medicines that can cause serious or life-threatening drug interactions with voriconazole. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use.

Before taking voriconazole, tell your doctor if you have heart rhythm problems, an electrolyte imbalance, liver or kidney disease, or a history of allergy to other antifungal medications such as fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or itraconazole (Sporanox).

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Voriconazole will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Voriconazole can cause problems with your vision. If you use this medicine for more than 28 days, you may need to have your eyes checked.

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