Voriconazole (By Mouth)

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

Treats fungal infections.

Brand Name(s):

Vfend
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:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach at least one hour before or one hour after a meal.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take 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:

• Store the medicine 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 after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• 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, or if you have liver disease or trouble digesting lactose or galactose. Tell your doctor 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:

• Fever
• Headache
• Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet or rapid weight gain

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