Some question about Voriconazole tablets

Voriconazole is a triazole antifungal medication that is generally used to treat serious, invasive fungal infections. These are generally seen in patients who are immunocompromised, and include invasive candidiasis, invasive aspergillosis, and certain emerging fungal infections.

1. What is voriconazole ?

Voriconazole is a medicine used to treat infections caused by yeast or fungi (such as Aspergillus or Candida). It works by killing or interfering with the growth of the yeast or fungi.

You may hear voriconazole called by its brand name Vfend®. Voriconazole comes as a tablet or injection. The tablets contain lactose.

2. How to use voriconazole tablets?

Use voriconazole tablets as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

An extra patient leaflet is available with voriconazole tablets. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.

Take voriconazole tablets by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after eating.

To clear up your infection completely, take voriconazole tablets for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.

If you miss a dose of voriconazole tablets, take it as soon as possible. If it is more than 6 hours after the missed dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

3. What should you do if your child misses a dose of voriconazole?

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember.

If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Give the next dose at the regular time.

Do not give your child two doses to make up for one missed dose.

4. What safety measures should you take when your child is using voriconazole?

Your child should avoid grapefruit juice or grapefruit while taking voriconazole. These increase the amount of voriconazole in the blood, which may cause more side effects. Read the labels of mixed fruit juices to ensure that they do not contain grapefruit juice.

Your child may sunburn more easily than normal while taking voriconazole. To help prevent sunburn:

Avoid direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Avoid sunlamps, bright indoor lights, and tanning beds.

Wear a broad-rimmed hat, long sleeves, long pants, or skirt outside.

Apply a sun block with a SPF 15 or higher.

Because voriconazole may cause vision problems, watch your child’s activities closely until you see how voriconazole affects him or her. For example, your child may have problems with schoolwork, riding a bike, or playing sports.

There are some medicines that should not be taken together with voriconazole or in some cases, the dose of voriconazole or the other medicine may need to be adjusted. It is important that you tell your doctor and pharmacist if your child takes any other medications (prescription, over the counter, and herbal) including:

certain medications used to thin the blood (such as warfarin, coumadin)

sirolimus, tacrolimus

cyclosporine

nifedipine, amlodipine

omeprazole

HIV medications

seizure medications (phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine)