Voriconazole

About voriconazole

Voriconazole works by killing or stopping the growth of the fungi. It is particularly useful in treating Candida infections where other antifungals have failed.

Before taking voriconazole

Before taking voriconazole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
• If you have any heart or heart rhythm problems.
• If you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure).
• If you know you are at risk from pancreatitis.
• If you have a cancer of the blood or porphyria (a blood disorder).
• If you have been told you have high or low levels of potassium, calcium or magnesium in your blood.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take voriconazole

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Voriconazole is usually taken twice daily. Take your doses 12 hours apart.
• Swallow voriconazole tablets whole (not crushed or chewed) at least one hour before or one hour after food.
• If you are taking the oral suspension, take your doses at least one hour before a meal or two hours afterwards.
• You must complete the prescribed course of voriconazole to prevent your infection reoccurring.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue taking it at the usual times. If it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose. Do not take take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If your symptoms do not improve within a few weeks, or if they get worse, check with your pharmacist or doctor.
• Voriconazole may cause problems with your eyesight, including blurred vision and a dislike of bright lights. Make sure your eyesight is unaffected before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were unable to see properly.
• Voriconazole may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight than it is usually. Avoid exposing your skin to the sun and using sunbeds or use a sun cream higher than factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.
• Keep you regular doctor's appointment, as you will need to have blood tests while you are taking voriconazole.
• Before buying any medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside voriconazole.
• If you are a woman who could become pregnant, it is important that you use effective contraception whilst you are taking voriconazole. If this effects you, speak to your doctor.

Can voriconazole cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

• yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
• blood in the urine
• difficulty breathing or chest pain
• a severe skin rash or blisters
• bleeding that's difficult to stop

How to store voriconazole

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines