Voriconazole (Injection)

Voriconazole (vor-i-KON-a-zole)

Treats fungal infections.

Brand Name(s):

Vfend I.V.
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to voriconazole, if you are also using rifampin (Rifadin®), carbamazepine (Tegretol®), phenobarbital, mephobarbital, sirolimus (Rapamune®), Seldane®, Hismanal®, cisapride (Propulsid®), quinidine (Quinidex®), ergot medicines (such as Wigraine®), or rifabutin (Mycobutin®), or if you are pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins. This medicine needs to be given slowly over 1 to 2 hours.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine is a powder that must be mixed with 2 liquids before using. Use the medicine as soon as possible after mixing.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• You may store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours if you cannot use it right away.
• If you store this medicine in powder form, at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine and used IV bags, vials, and tubing. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cyclosporine (Sandimmune®, Neoral®), tacrolimus (Prograf®), Prilosec®, Nexium®, vincristine (Oncovin®), vinblastine (Velban®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), a tranquilizer (such as alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam), heart or blood pressure medicine (such as verapamil, Cardizem®, Lotrel®, Procardia®, Tiazac®), diabetes medicine (such as glipizide, glyburide, tolbutamide), medicines to treat HIV/AIDS (Agenerase®, Crixivan®, Invirase®, Norvir®, Sustiva®, Viracept®), or medicine to lower cholesterol (such as Lipitor®, Zocor®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, if you have liver disease or kidney disease, or if you have had an allergic reaction to similar medicines (such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, Diflucan®, Sporanox®).
• This medicine may cause vision problems. Avoid driving (especially at night), using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you cannot see well. Call your doctor if you have any vision changes or if bright lights bother your eyes.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach
• Yellow skin or eyes, dark-colored urine or pale stools

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache, fever
• Redness, pain, or swelling where the IV needle is inserted

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.