Isavuconazole is used to treat a certain fungal infection in the blood or body known as invasive aspergillosis.
This medicine is also used to treat mucormycosis (a rare type of fungal infection) in individuals for whom treatment with other medicine for fungal infection is inappropriate.
Take Isavuconazole exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, dissolve or open the capsules.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.
Take Isavuconazole at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Isavuconazole if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have familial short QT syndrome (an inherited disease causing abnormal heartbeat) as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Do not take Isavuconazole with certain medicines for fungal infection, tuberculosis, HIV infection, epilepsy (fits or seizures), certain antibiotic and herbal medicine. Please see the section “Can I take this with other medicines?” below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- have had an allergic reaction to other medicines for fungal infections e.g. itraconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole
- serious medical conditions e.g. cancer in the blood
- severe liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with Isavuconazole. You must use proven birth control methods during therapy and for 28 days after your last dose. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Your doctor may need to perform blood tests to make sure that your liver function is normal before you take Isavuconazole and thereafter depending on your doctor’s advice.
- Regular monitoring for signs of skin reactions and liver problems may also be needed.
Isavuconazole may cause drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, or fainting. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, decreased appetite, back pain, difficulty sleeping, and skin itching.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, or throat
- chest pain, abnormal heartbeat
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth, or eyes accompanied by fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Isavuconazole with the following medicines:
- ketoconazole (other medicine to treat fungal infection)
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir (in high doses), efavirenz, etravirine
- medicines to treat TB (infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital
- nafcillin (certain antibiotic)
- St. John’s wort (herbal medicine)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus, sirolimus
- medicines for cancer e.g. lapatinib, cyclophosphamide
- medicines for diabetes e.g. pioglitazone, metformin
- combination of lopinavir and ritonavir (other medicine for HIV infection)
- rufinamide (other medicine for fits or seizures)
- aprepitant (medicine used to prevent nausea and vomiting during cancer treatment)
- prednisone (anti-inflammatory medicine)
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
- colchicine (medicine for gout or high uric acid level in the blood)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Isavuconazole.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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