Vfend IV

The active ingredient in Vfend is voriconazole. Voriconazole’s mechanism of action works by stopping fungi from building their cell walls properly. When the fungal cell wall cannot grow normally, the fungus becomes weak and dies or stops spreading. This is why Vfend is effective for serious fungal infections, including those caused by Aspergillus and Candida species.

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 Vfend. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Vfend:

• Vfend I.V. is given through a vein by a healthcare professional, usually in a hospital or clinic.
• The first doses may be a loading dose to quickly reach effective levels, followed by a maintenance dose.
• Dosing is based on body weight (kg), infection type, and patient response.
• Infusion-related reactions can happen, so nurses will watch for flushing, nausea, low blood pressure, or shortness of breath during the infusion.
• If you are switched to oral tablets or oral suspension, take the medicine exactly as prescribed.
• Oral suspension should be measured carefully using the provided dosing device, not a household spoon.
• Keep all follow-up appointments for blood work, including liver function tests and renal function checks.
• If you miss a dose of oral Vfend, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to your next dose. Do not double your next dose.
• Do not stop Vfend early, even if you feel better, unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Stopping too soon can allow the fungal infection to return.

Some mild or common side effects of voriconazole seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Blurred vision or visual disturbances.
• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Abdominal pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Constipation.
• Skin rash.
• Photosensitivity or sunburn more easily.
• Fever.
• Swelling in the hands or feet.
• Increased liver enzymes on blood tests.
• Fast heartbeat or mild arrhythmia.

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

• Severe skin reactions, blistering, or peeling, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Serious photosensitivity reactions or new skin lesions, especially with long-term use, since squamous cell carcinoma has been reported.
• Signs of liver problems such as jaundice, dark urine, severe tiredness, or right-side stomach pain.
• Heart rhythm problems such as QT prolongation, fainting, or a racing heartbeat.
• Severe allergic reaction with hives, swelling, or trouble breathing.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Vfend. 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 Vfend, 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 if you have:

• Liver disease or a history of abnormal liver function tests.
• Kidney problems or renal impairment.
• Heart problems, including irregular heartbeat, cardiomyopathy, or a history of QT prolongation.
• Cardiac disorders: Bradycardia, palpitations, supraventricular tachycardia.
• Low potassium, magnesium, or calcium (electrolyte problems increase arrhythmia risk).
• A history of skin reactions or sensitivity to sunlight.
• A weakened immune system, including cancer treatment or corticosteroid use.
• A history of serious fungal infections or prior antifungal failure.
• While using Vfend, avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing to reduce photosensitivity and skin reaction risks. Your healthcare provider may also check voriconazole blood levels if needed, especially if you have liver impairment or are taking multiple interacting medicines.

Vfend should not be used in individuals who:

• Are allergic to voriconazole or any ingredient in the formulation.
• Are taking certain medicines that can lead to life-threatening effects when combined with Vfend, including specific QT-prolonging drugs or strong enzyme inducers.
• Have conditions where dangerous drug interactions cannot be safely managed.
• Adverse reactions to the medication.

Vfend begins working after the first doses, but how quickly you feel better depends on the type of fungal infection and how sick you are when treatment starts. Invasive aspergillosis and candidemia often require days to weeks before symptoms clearly improve.

When Vfend 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:

• Rifampin.
• Azithromycin.
• Amphotericin B.
• Rifabutin. Lowers voriconazole levels and voriconazole raises rifabutin levels, increasing toxicity risk.
• Carbamazepine.
• Phenobarbital or other long-acting barbiturates.
• St. John’s wort.
• Efavirenz at standard or high doses. Efavirenz lowers voriconazole levels and voriconazole raises efavirenz levels, causing loss of effect and toxicity.
• High-dose ritonavir.
• Ergot alkaloids such as ergotamine or dihydroergotamine.
• Pimozide. Increased levels can cause dangerous QT prolongation and arrhythmia.
• Quinidine.
• Cisapride.
• Astemizole or terfenadine.
• Sirolimus.
• Tacrolimus.
• Warfarin.
• Phenytoin.
• Certain statins.
• Fluconazole.
• Itraconazole.
• Alfentanil.
• Lurasidone.
• Ivabradine.
• Naloxegol.
• CYP2C9 and CYP3A4.
• Methotrexate.

Vfend is available in several dosage forms:

• Vfend I.V. powder for solution for intravenous use.
• Oral tablets in multiple strengths.
• Oral suspension (liquid) for people who cannot swallow tablets, including some pediatric patients.
• Your healthcare provider determines the right loading dose and maintenance dose based on your body weight, infection type, liver and kidney function, and patient response.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Vfend is manufactured by Pfizer.

Yes. Generic voriconazole is available in many regions for both intravenous and oral formulations. Your pharmacist can tell you which versions are available where you live.

Do not stop taking Vfend without speaking with your healthcare provider. Stopping early can allow serious fungal infections to return. If you develop severe skin reactions, liver problems, severe visual changes, or signs of arrhythmia, contact your healthcare provider immediately. They will decide whether Vfend should be stopped or switched to another antifungal.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. Vfend is generally avoided during pregnancy unless treatment is clearly needed for a serious fungal infection. Your healthcare provider will weigh risks and benefits based on your condition.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. It is not known how much voriconazole passes into breast milk, and breastfeeding is usually not recommended during treatment unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise.