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  • Voriconazole is mainly for use in seriously ill patients.
  • Take voriconazole on an empty stomach. This means do not take your doses within one hour before or after a meal.
  • Do not stop taking voriconazole until your doctor has told you the infection has gone.

About voriconazole

Type of medicine Antifungal
Used for Fungal infections
Also called Vfend®
Available as Tablets, oral suspension and injection

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.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Blurred vision, 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
Sensitivity to sunlight Avoid exposing your skin to the sun and using sunbeds. Use a sun cream higher than factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If the headache continues, speak to your doctor
Dizziness Getting up or moving more slowly may help
Feeling or being sick, tummy pain Eat little and often and stick to simple foods
Swollen feet and ankles, confusion, agitation, shakiness, 'pins and needles', skin rash, back pain, flu-like symptoms, fever, sinusitis, and mood changes If any of these become troublesome to you, talk to your doctor

Important: If you develop any of the following tell your doctor straight away:

  • 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


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID: 1515 DocRef: dils3871 Last Reviewed: 1 Dec 2008 Version: 22

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