GENERIC NAME: VORICONAZOLE - ORAL (vor-ih-CON-ah-zole)

BRAND NAME(S): Vfend

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Voriconazole is an azole-type antifungal used to treat a variety of fungal infections.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily, or take as directed by your doctor. The dose and duration of treatment depend on your condition and response to therapy. Take this medication on an empty stomach, at least one hour before a meal or one hour after a meal. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished. Stopping the medication too early may result in reinfection.

SIDE EFFECTS: Fever, chills, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, flushing and headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: vision changes (e.g., blurring, color vision changes), sensitivity of eyes to light (photophobia). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, fast/irregular pulse, sun sensitivity. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, easy bleeding or bruising, fainting. This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver problems. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual fatigue, stomach/abdominal pain. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking voriconazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other azole-type antifungal drugs (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole); or if you have any other allergies. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver disease, intolerance to galactose or lactose, heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeats including QTc prolongation), mineral/electrolyte imbalance (e.g., low blood levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium). This medication, especially when taken for long periods of time, may affect your vision. Your vision should be monitored closely while taking this medication. Report any loss of vision, problems recognizing colors correctly, or any other vision problems promptly to your doctor. This drug may make you dizzy or cause vision changes; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Since this medication may cause vision changes, do not drive at night while taking this medication. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may cause fetal harm. Women should use a reliable form of birth control while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.