Sometimes we get fungal infections in our bodies, right? Doctors prescribe various medications for this. Posaconazole is a special liquid medicine that is used to prevent or treat such fungal or yeast infections. So if you have to use this medicine, it is very important to be fully aware of it. Because like any medicine, to get the most out of it, you need to use it correctly. Let's talk about this simply.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing Posaconazole, it is important for your doctor to be fully aware of your health condition. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Heart disease: If you have any heart disease or if someone in your family has a history of heart disease.
- Heartbeat irregularities: If you have ever had an irregular heartbeat in the past.
- Mineral levels: If you have previously been diagnosed with low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium in your blood.
- Kidney or liver disease: If you have any kidney or liver disease.
- Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have any allergies, not only to this medicine, but also to other antifungals, other medicines, foods, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should inform your doctor before taking this medicine.
Telling your doctor this information without hiding it is very important for your safety as well as the success of the treatment.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
Since this is a liquid medicine, you need to be especially careful about how you use it.
1. Take with food: This medicine should always be taken at the start of a meal . Do not take it on an empty stomach. The medicine is best absorbed by the body when taken with food.
2. Shake well: Before taking the medicine, don't forget to shake the bottle well.
3. Use the correct measure: It is very important to measure the exact dose your doctor has prescribed. Do not use household teaspoons or coffee spoons, as they are not accurate. Use a special syringe, measuring cup, or dropper that is marked in milliliters (ml) that comes with the medicine. If you do not have one, ask your doctor about it.
4. Take it on time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day.
5. Don't stop: Take the medicine continuously for the full prescribed period until the doctor says, "Enough, stop." Don't stop taking the medicine on your own, thinking that your symptoms have subsided a little.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
Please don't worry about forgetting to take your medicine. Take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you suddenly think you have taken too much of this medicine, there are two things you should do immediately. One is to go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . The other is to call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . This is very important.
Other drugs that may interact with Posaconazole (Drug Interactions)
Posaconazole is a medication that can interact with other medications. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the other medications you are taking. This includes prescription medications, supplements, vitamins, and herbs.
Be especially careful with the medications in the table below.
| Drug category | Examples and descriptions |
|---|---|
| Do not take Posaconazole with this medicine. | |
| Some cholesterol-lowering medications | Medicines like Atorvastatin, Lovastatin, Simvastatin. |
| Some medications for heart palpitations | Other medications that prolong the QT interval, such as Dronedarone and Quinidine. |
| Ergot Alkaloids | Dihydroergotamine, Ergotamine (some medications used for migraines) |
| Other | Medicines like Sirolimus, Pimozide, Ibrutinib, Lapatinib. |
| If you are taking this medication, tell your doctor before starting Posaconazole. | |
| Medicines for HIV or Hepatitis | Some antiviral drugs |
| Immune-suppressing drugs | Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus |
| Some medications for blood pressure | Diltiazem, Nifedipine, Verapamil |
| Some medications for diabetes | Glipizide |
| Some medications for cancer | Venetoclax, Vincristine |
This list is not complete, so it's best to tell your doctor about any medications you're taking.
Things to consider when taking medication and side effects
While taking the medication, your doctor may want to see you regularly to check your progress. He or she may also order blood work.
Especially if you have severe diarrhea or vomiting, tell your doctor right away, as your body may not be absorbing the medicine you are taking properly.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips/tongue/face. |
| Changes in heart rate | Difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, feeling like your heart is beating fast. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Cough | If it persists, inform your doctor. |
| Headache | If it does not subside with a regular painkiller or if it persists. |
| Nausea and stomach pain | If digestive discomfort or pain persists. |
How do you store and dispose of the medicine?
- Keep away from children: Always keep the medicine bottle out of the reach of children and pets.
- Temperature: Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Never place in the freezer.
- Expired Medicines: Do not use any medicine that has passed its expiration date. It should be thrown away. Check the label for instructions on how to dispose of it. Alternatively, mix the medicine with coffee grounds, soil, or used cat litter, put it in a sealed bag, and throw it in the trash. Never flush medicine down the toilet without your doctor's advice.
Take-Home Message
- Always take posaconazole liquid at the start of a meal. Do not take it on an empty stomach.
- Instead of using a teaspoon at home to measure medication, use the exact measuring device that comes with the medication.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications (including vitamins and herbal products) you are taking.
- If you notice any serious side effects such as yellowing of the skin, chest pain, or swelling of the face, inform your doctor immediately.
- Do not stop taking your medication on your own unless your doctor tells you to. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.
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