Voriconazole tablets

What is Voriconazole?

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.

Important information

Do not use Voriconazole if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.

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 medicine 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 antifungal medicine. This medicine 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.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Voriconazole if you are allergic to voriconazole.

Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with Voriconazole. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you use any of the following drugs:

• 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).

To make sure Voriconazole is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease;

• a heart rhythm disorder such as long QT syndrome;

• high or low levels of calcium, potassium, or magnesium in your blood;

• liver or kidney disease; or

• trouble digesting sugar or dairy products (the tablets contain lactose).

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.

It is not known whether voriconazole passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Voriconazole is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

How should I use Voriconazole?

Take Voriconazole exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take Voriconazole tablets at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after eating a meal.

Store tablets 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.

Use this medicine 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 antifungal medicine. Voriconazole will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

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.

While using this medicine, 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 missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What should I avoid while taking 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.

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.

Voriconazole side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Voriconazole: hives, rash, itching, sweating; fever; fast heartbeats, chest tightness, difficult breathing; nausea, feeling light-headed; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;

• a sunburn;

• vision problems, changes in your color vision;

• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing;

• kidney problems - little or no urinating; painful or difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath;

• liver problems - nausea, vomiting, flu-like symptoms, itching, feeling very tired, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• severe skin reaction - fever, mouth sores, swelling in your face or tongue, trouble breathing or swallowing, rash with blistering and peeling.

  Common Voriconazole 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.

What other drugs will affect Voriconazole?

Many drugs can interact with voriconazole, and some drugs should not be used together. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.