Noxafil

The active ingredient in Noxafil is posaconazole, which is an azole antifungal. It prevents or treats invasive aspergillosis and fungal infections of the mouth or throat called oral thrush (candidiasis) by damaging the fungus's protective outer coat and keeping it from spreading.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Noxafil. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Noxafil:

• Noxafil is taken by mouth. The delayed-release tablets, oral suspension, and delayed-release oral suspension are not interchangeable and may not contain the same dosage. If you have any questions about the medication you received from the pharmacy, ask the pharmacist.
• Read and follow all of the Use Instructions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you require assistance.
• You can take the delayed-release pill with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break it.
• When the time comes to take the dose, prepare the Noxafil PowderMix oral suspension. Shake thoroughly for 45 seconds before measuring a dose with the included dosing spoon. After each usage, rinse the spoon with water and thoroughly clean the mixing cup. If the medicine is not used within one hour of mixing, throw it away.
• Take the prepared PowderMix with meals.
• Take Noxafil oral suspension during or within 20 minutes of finishing a full meal. If you are unable to consume a complete meal, take the medication with a nutritional supplement or an acidic carbonated beverage, such as ginger ale.
• Inform your doctor if you are unable to swallow a Noxafil tablet whole or cannot take Noxafil liquid with food or beverages as prescribed.
• Noxafil injection is given in a vein and must be given slowly over 30 to 90 minutes.

Some mild and common side effects of Noxafil include:

• Low potassium levels.
• Diarrhea.
• Fever.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Nose bleeds.
• Stomach pain.
• Loss of appetite.
• Constipation.
• High blood pressure.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Noxafil. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Serious liver problems include nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and flu-like symptoms.
• Abnormal heart rhythms include irregular heartbeat, speeding heart, shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness.
• Electrolyte imbalances can cause nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, an irregular heartbeat, and fatigue.
• Allergic reaction to the medication, such as hives, skin rash, or swelling.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Noxafil. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Noxafil, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Heart rhythm issues.
• Blood circulation issues.
• Kidney or liver problems.
• An electrolyte imbalance (e.g., high or low blood calcium, potassium, magnesium, or sodium).
• A hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (bone marrow transplant).

• Allergic to azole antifungals.
• Using posaconazole (Noxafil) infusion in conjunction with sirolimus (Rapamune).
• Using posaconazole (Noxafil) infusion in conjunction with some drugs that can cause QT prolongation (such as pimozide and quinidine).
• Using posaconazole (Noxafil) infusion in conjunction with some statin drugs (such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin, and simvastatin (Zocor).
• Taking a posaconazole (Noxafil) infusion with ergot alkaloids (such as ergotamine and dihydroergotamine).
• Posaconazole (Noxafil) infusion in combination with Venclexta (venetoclax).

Noxafil (posaconazole) does not act immediately; the time required varies depending on whether it is used to treat or prevent fungal infections. Symptom relief for active infections such as fever, cough, or pain might take several days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the illness and your overall health.

When Noxafil is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Cimetidine.
• Cyclosporine.
• Esomeprazole.
• Rifabutin.
• Phenytoin.
• Tacrolimus.
• Vinblastine.
• Vincristine.
• Vinorelbine.
• Atazanavir.
• Efavirenz.
• Fosamprenavir.
• Ritonavir.
• Fluconazole.
• Itraconazole.
• Midazolam.
• Sirolimus.
• Voriconazole.

Your dose and duration of therapy will depend on the dosage form and the severity of the infection. Follow your doctor’s instructions and do not change your dose or stop using Noxafil without talking to them first.

For delayed-release tablets and : Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 12 hours. Do not use two doses at one time.

For all other dosage forms: Use it as soon as you remember, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Store the oral pills at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Don't freeze the liquid medication. Do not open the PowderMix packet until you are ready to create a dosage.

Store the injection in the refrigerator. Remove the vial from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before mixing with the diluent. If you are unable to administer the injection right away, refrigerate the prepared medicine and use it within 24 hours.

Merck Sharp & Dohme is the company that manufactures Noxafil.

There are several generic versions available of Noxafil.

You should not discontinue taking Noxafil (posaconazole) without consulting your doctor. If it is being used to treat a fungal infection, stopping too soon may cause the condition to resurface or worsen. If it is being used for prevention, stopping abruptly may raise your risk of contracting a serious infection.

Based on animal studies, Noxafil may cause fetal harm when used during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Based on animal studies, Noxafil may be found in breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.