Voriconazole

About Voriconazole

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antifungals.

Voriconazole is used to treat a variety of fungal infections.

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

Voriconazole is available in tablet and injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: Vfend. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

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 suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure)
• 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.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Swallow voriconazole tablets whole (not crushed or chewed) on an empty stomach – at least one hour before or one hour after food.
• 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, never take two doses at the same time to compensate. If in doubt speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of voriconazole contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside fluconazole.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few weeks, or 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 euesight 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 may need to have blood tests if taking fluconazole for more than one month.

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 pharmacist or doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Fever (high temperature), headaches, tummy pain, feeling sick, being sick, diarrhoea, swelling of the extremities (fingers, toes etc.), dizziness, seeing or hearing things that aren’t real, confusion, depression, anxiety, shakiness, agitation, pins and needles, breathing problems, skin rashes, itching, thinning of the hair, problems with eyesight, disturbed taste.

Important: You must contact your doctor at once if you experience a severe rash, swelling of face, lips and tongue or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store Voriconazole

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 13/03/2003