Drug Notes

Voriconazole (By injection)

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

Treats fungal infections.

Brand Name(s):

Amerinet Choice Vfend, PREMIERPro RX Vfend I.V., Vfend I.V., Vfend Novaplus

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. This medicine is given slowly, so the needle will remain in place for up to 2 hours.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Your doctor will give you a few doses of this medicine until your condition improves, and then switch you to an oral medicine that works the same way. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Do not use this medicine together with St John's wort, astemizole, barbiturates (such as phenobarbital), carbamazepine, cisapride, efavirenz, ergot medicines (dihydroergotamine, ergotamine), pimozide, quinidine, rifabutin, rifampin, ritonavir, sirolimus, or terfenadine.
• Some medicines can affect how voriconazole works. Tell your doctor if you are using alfentanil, cyclosporine, everolimus, fentanyl, fluconazole, methadone, omeprazole, oxycodone, phenytoin, tacrolimus, vinblastine, vincristine, blood pressure medicines, medicines to lower cholesterol, diabetes medicines that you take by mouth (such as glipizide, glyburide, tolbutamide), medicines to treat HIV or AIDS (amprenavir, delavirdine, nelfinavir, nevirapine, saquinavir), medicines for anxiety or sleeping (alprazolam, midazolam, triazolam), NSAID pain medicines (such as aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen), a blood thinner (such as warfarin), or birth control pills.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, or low levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium. Tell your doctor if you recently had cancer treatment or a stem cell transplant.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Liver problems
  • Changes in heart rhythm, such as QT prolongation
  • Infusion-related reactions
  • Serious skin reactions
  • Bone pain (if used for a long period of time)
• This medicine may cause changes in vision. Do not drive (especially at night) or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

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 your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Bone pain
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, or painful urination
• Changes in vision, light sensitivity, or problems seeing colors
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
• Sudden or severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, lightheadedness

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017