Sometimes, common medications are not enough to treat fungal infections in our bodies. Especially for severe infections that spread inside the body, doctors prescribe special medications. Isavuconazonium is a powerful antifungal medicine that is used to treat several types of severe fungal infections. So if you are prescribed this medicine, it is very important to be aware of it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before you start taking this medication, you should definitely discuss these things with your doctor, as this medication is not suitable for everyone.
- Heart disease: If you have any heart disease, especially a history of irregular heartbeat, you should disclose it.
- Liver disease: If there is any problem with the liver, that is also very important.
- Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to this medicine (Isavuconazonium) or other fungicides, other medicines, foods, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is essential to inform your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding a child.
It is very important for your safety to say these things without hiding them.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
It is very important to use this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
- This capsule should be swallowed whole with a glass of water .
- Never break, crush, or chew this capsule. It should be swallowed whole.
- You can take this medicine before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Very important: Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication. It may affect how well the medication works.
- Take the medicine at the time prescribed by the doctor, at the prescribed intervals.
- Even if you feel a little better, be sure to take the full course of medication prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it halfway. Doing so may cause the infection to come back.
If you are giving this medicine to young children, you should talk to your pediatrician about it and follow his or her advice.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Isavuconazonium is a medication that can interact with many other medications, so it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking, even vitamins.
The table below shows some examples of such medications.
| Drug category | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Do not take Isavuconazonium with these. | |
| Other fungicides | Medicines like Ketoconazole and Itraconazole. |
| Medicine for seizures | Drugs such as Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin. |
| Some antibiotics | Medications such as Rifampin. |
| Medicines for HIV/AIDS | Some antiviral drugs. |
| Herbal products | Things like St. John's Wort. |
| Other | Drugs like Lomitapide, Enzalutamide. |
| If you take these, talk to your doctor. | |
| Cholesterol-lowering medications | Medications such as Atorvastatin. |
| Immune-suppressing drugs | Cyclosporine, Sirolimus, Tacrolimus (medicines given after transplants). |
| Medicines for heart disease | Medications such as Digoxin. |
| Birth control pills and hormones | Any medication containing estrogen or progestin. |
Remember, this list is not complete, so be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
What are the expected side effects?
Like any medicine, Isavuconazonium can cause side effects. Some of them are serious, while others are common.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately . | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or limbs, difficulty breathing or swallowing. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, and extreme fatigue. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, irregular heartbeats (palpitations). |
| Other serious symptoms | Difficulty breathing, muscle pain or cramping, change in the amount of urine you pass. |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Digestive system problems | Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation. |
| Other minor inconveniences | Headache, cough, fatigue, insomnia. |
How to protect and store medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children .
- Store between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (normal room temperature).
- Keep the medicine in the original bottle or packet it was received in.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time. Swallow the capsule whole, without breaking, crushing, or chewing it.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, herbal products you are taking, and especially grapefruit juice .
- If you experience any serious side effects such as allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, severe chest tightness, or yellowing of the skin, seek medical advice immediately.
- Even if you feel well, finish the full course of medication.
- If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is essential to talk to your doctor before taking this medication.
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