voriconazole (oral/injection) (VFEND)

Brand Names: VFEND

Generic Name: voriconazole (oral/injection)

• 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 using voriconazole (VFEND)?
• How should I use voriconazole (VFEND)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (VFEND)?
• What happens if I overdose (VFEND)?
• What should I avoid while using voriconazole (VFEND)?
• What other drugs will affect voriconazole (VFEND)?
• Where can I get more information (VFEND)?

Voriconazole is an antifungal medicine.

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.

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round, white, imprinted with Pfizer, VOR50

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oval, white, imprinted with Pfizer, VOR200

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round, white, imprinted with TEVA, 5289

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oval, white, imprinted with TEVA, 5290

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round, white, imprinted with G, VOR50

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oval, white, imprinted with G, VOR200

Voriconazole 200 mg 597620936

capsule, white, imprinted with Pfizer, VOR 200

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, sweaty, or have chest tightness or trouble breathing.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
• a sunburn;
• vision problems, changes in your color vision;
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing;
• kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or
• liver problems--nausea, vomiting, flu-like symptoms, itching, tiredness, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects may include:

• vision changes;
• rash;
• headache, hallucinations;
• fast heart rate;
• nausea, vomiting; or
• abnormal liver function tests.

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.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used together.

You should not use voriconazole if you are allergic to it.

Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with voriconazole. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:

• carbamazepine;
• cisapride;
• efavirenz;
• pimozide;
• quinidine;
• rifabutin, rifampin;
• ritonavir;
• sirolimus;
• St. John's wort;
• certain barbiturates (mephobarbital, phenobarbital); or
• "ergot" migraine headache medicines (dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, or a heart rhythm disorder;
• high or low levels of calcium, potassium, or magnesium in your blood;
• liver or kidney disease; or
• trouble digesting sugar or dairy products (voriconazole tablets contain lactose, voriconazole liquid contains sucrose).

Do not use voriconazole if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine.

Voriconazole can interact with certain birth control pills, which may increase side effects. Ask your doctor about the best form of birth control to use during treatment with voriconazole.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Voriconazole is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take oral voriconazole (tablets or liquid) at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after eating a meal.

Shake the liquid before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Do not mix voriconazole liquid with any other medicine or liquid.

Voriconazole injection is given as a slow infusion into a vein, over 1 to 2 hours. Voriconazole is usually given by injection only if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Voriconazole injection is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. When using injections by yourself, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.

Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

If you cannot use the mixed injection right away, store it in the refrigerator and use it within 24 hours. Do not freeze.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Voriconazole is sometimes given for up to several days after lab tests show that the infection has cleared. Very severe infections may need to be treated for several weeks.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Voriconazole will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

You may need frequent blood tests. Your vision and kidney or liver function may also need to be checked.

Store voriconazole tablets or liquid at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not store in a refrigerator or freezer. Keep the medicine bottle tightly closed when not in use. Throw away any unused liquid after 14 days.

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Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of injectable voriconazole.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Voriconazole may cause vision changes such as blurred vision and sensitivity to light. Wear sunglasses during the day to protect your eyes from bright light. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Voriconazole can make you more sensitive to sunlight or cause a serious skin reaction, including lesions that may lead to skin cancer. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Many drugs can affect voriconazole, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about voriconazole.

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