voriconazole (oral/injection)

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

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.

What is voriconazole?

Voriconazole is an antifungal medicine that 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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using voriconazole?

Many drugs can interact and cause dangerous effects. Some drugs should not be used together 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).

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.

How should I use voriconazole?

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

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.

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using voriconazole?

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.

What are the possible side effects of voriconazole?

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.

• 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;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;
• 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;
• liver problems --nausea, vomiting, flu-like symptoms, itching, tiredness, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• signs of an electrolyte imbalance --dizziness, numbness or tingling, constipation, increased thirst or urination, irregular heartbeats, cough or choking feeling, feeling jittery, leg cramps, muscle spasms, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Common side effects may include:

• fever, chills, stuffy nose, sneezing, sinus pain, cough, sore throat, trouble breathing;
• bruising or bleeding, nosebleeds, coughing up blood;
• high or low blood pressure, fast heart rate;
• electrolyte imbalance;
• stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
• kidney problems;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• headache, dizziness, vision changes, hallucinations;
• rash; 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.

What other drugs will affect voriconazole?

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.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about voriconazole.