Sometimes, when our immune system is weakened, especially when we are undergoing treatment for a serious illness like cancer, our body is more likely to develop fungal infections. In such a case, your doctor may prescribe a vaccine called Posaconazole to prevent such fungal infections. So, if you have been prescribed this vaccine, it is very important to be fully informed about it. Let's talk about this in detail.
What is Posaconazole?
Simply put, Posaconazole is a type of antifungal medication. It is usually given as an injection into a vein. Its main function is to prevent serious fungal or yeast infections from developing in people with weakened immune systems. It is also sometimes used to treat existing fungal infections. Since it is a fairly strong medication, it is best used only under the advice of a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before deciding to give you this vaccine, your doctor will ask you about certain things. However, you should also inform your doctor about the following things. Hiding these things will only increase your risk to your own health.
- Heart disease: If you have any heart disease or if anyone in your family has any.
- Heartbeat: If you have an irregular heartbeat.
- Salt levels: If you have previously been told that your blood levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium are low.
- Kidney or liver disease: If you have kidney disease or liver disease.
- Allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to this medicine, to any other antifungal medicine, to any other medicine, to any food, or to any dye.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Sharing this information honestly with your doctor is essential for your safety.
How do you use this medicine?
This medicine is injected into a vein. So it is usually given by a medical professional in a hospital or clinic. However, in some cases, you may need to inject this medicine at home.
If so, a doctor or nurse will give you detailed instructions on how to properly inject it and how to inject it yourself. It is very important to take the correct dose, exactly as prescribed, at the correct time. Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
What do you do with used needles?
This is very important. If you inject at home, never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a special sharps container that is provided. If you don't have one, ask your doctor for one.
What if the medication dose increases or the route is blocked?
If the dose is increased (Overdose)
If you have any suspicion that you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Otherwise, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) without delay.
Missed Dose
- For a medication given at a hospital/clinic: If you are unable to attend on time, call the doctor or clinic and let them know.
- Take the 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. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Posaconazole is a medication that can interact with many other medications. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. See the table below.
| Type of medicine | Examples and descriptions |
|---|---|
| Do not take Posaconazole with this medicine. | |
| Some cholesterol-lowering medications | atorvastatin , lovastatin , simvastatin , lomitapide |
| Medication for irregular heartbeat | dronedarone , quinidine |
| Ergot Alkaloids | dihydroergotamine , ergotamine , methylergonovine |
| Various other medications | cisapride , ibrutinib , lapatinib , naloxegol , pimozide , sirolimus , thioridazine , and other medications that prolong the QT interval (affect the heart rate) |
| Problems can occur with this medication - tell your doctor | |
| Antivirals for HIV or Hepatitis | Ex: ritonavir , atazanavir |
| Medication for anxiety or sleep | alprazolam , midazolam , triazolam |
| Medication for high blood pressure | diltiazem , nifedipine , verapamil |
| Anticancer drugs | venetoclax , vinblastine , vincristine |
| Diabetes medication | glipizide |
| Various other medications | digoxin , cyclosporine , tacrolimus , rifabutin , phenytoin |
This list is not complete, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you are taking.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Posaconazole can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately or go to the ETU. | |
|---|---|
| Severe Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Changes in heart rate | Difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly, fainting. |
| Symptoms of Liver Injury | Dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, loss of appetite, and feeling lethargic. |
| Fever | If you have a fever for no reason. |
| It's usually not dangerous, but if it persists, tell your doctor. | |
| Cough | Diarrhea |
| Headache | Mouth sores |
| Nausea and vomiting | Stomach pain |
Take-Home Message
- Posaconazole is a powerful medication used to prevent or treat fungal infections. It should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
- Before starting treatment, be sure to tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have and all medications you are taking.
- Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time. Never take two doses at the same time. Do not share this medicine with others.
- If you notice anything like a severe allergic reaction, changes in your heartbeat, or signs of liver damage (yellowing of the skin/eyes), tell your doctor immediately or go to an emergency room.
- If using the medicine at home, safely dispose of used needles and syringes in a sharps container and follow medical instructions.
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