Maybe you or someone in your family has been told by your doctor to start a medication called Isavuconazonium. The name is a bit hard to pronounce, isn't it? But don't worry. This is a very effective, special medication that is given for more serious fungal infections. So today, let's talk about this medication in a very simple way, what it does, what to be careful about when using it, and whether there are any side effects.
Simply put, what is Isavuconazonium?
Isavuconazonium is a powerful antifungal drug . Imagine that you have a serious fungal infection that your body's defenses can't control. In such a situation, this drug acts like a special forces unit to destroy the fungus.
It is mainly used to treat severe fungal infections that spread inside the body and are difficult to control with commonly used antifungal drugs. For example, it is used to treat conditions such as Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis.
This medicine is not given as a pill. It is given as an infusion, like saline, into the body through a vein. This is usually done in a hospital or clinic by a healthcare professional.
Things you should definitely tell your doctor before taking medication
It is extremely important to tell your doctor about your complete health history before starting this medication. Do not hide anything. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions, especially if you have any.
- Heart disease: If you have any heart disease or if anyone in your family has any.
- Irregular heartbeat: If you have a history of irregular heartbeat.
- Liver disease: If you have any liver disease.
- Allergies: You must tell us if you have any allergies to this Isavuconazonium medication or other antifungals, any other medication, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or have any doubts about it.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Providing this information accurately to your doctor is very important for your safety as well as the success of your treatment.
How to use the medicine and what to be careful about
Because this medicine is given intravenously, it is given by a trained health professional in a hospital or clinic. It is very important to take it exactly as prescribed, on time, and for the full number of days. Do not stop taking the medicine or skip doses until your doctor tells you to , even if you feel better. You must complete the full course of treatment to completely cure the infection.
In the very rare case that you need to take this medicine at home, you will be given full training to do so. Follow those instructions exactly.
What if I miss a dose?
If you are unable to go to the hospital on time and miss a dose, call your doctor immediately and tell them. If you are taking your medicine at home, take the missed dose 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 overdose?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Isavuconazonium can interact with other medications. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products). Avoid using it with the medications listed below.
| Drugs and substances that should never be taken with Isavuconazonium | |
|---|---|
| Some antiviral drugs for HIV or AIDS | Other antifungals such as Ketoconazole, Itraconazole |
| Some antibiotics, such as rifampin | Anticonvulsant medications such as Carbamazepine and Phenobarbital |
| St. John's Wort (herbal product) | Grapefruit Juice (not grape juice, but a type of juice like grapefruit) |
| Enzalutamide, Mitotane (anticancer) | Lomitapide (a cholesterol-lowering drug) |
In addition, this medicine can interact with many other medications, such as Atorvastatin (cholesterol), Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus (immune system suppressor), Digoxin (heart disease), and birth control pills. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
Possible side effects while taking the medicine
Like any medicine, Isavuconazonium can cause some side effects. Some are serious, while others are common. It is important to be aware of these.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor or hospital immediately | |
| Severe allergic reactions (Allergic reactions / Angioedema) | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, hands or feet, difficulty breathing or swallowing. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark yellow/brown urine, paleness, extreme fatigue. |
| Changes in heart rate | The heart beats fast, feels pounding, or feels irregular (palpitations). |
| Other serious symptoms | Difficulty breathing, change in the amount of urine, pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache, stomach pain | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea |
| Constipation, cough | Fatigue, insomnia |
Take-Home Message
- Isavuconazonium is a very important and powerful drug for severe fungal infections. Don't be afraid of this.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor completely about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Take the full course of treatment prescribed by your doctor, without skipping doses. Do not stop treatment even if you feel better.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as skin rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, or yellowing of the eyes/skin.
- Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine. If you are planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding, discuss this with your doctor.
- If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, never hesitate to ask your doctor.
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