Sometimes, fungal infections that occur inside our bodies are difficult to cure with ordinary pills. Especially for someone with a weak immune system or another serious illness, such fungal infections can be life-threatening. Today, we are talking about a special, powerful vaccine that doctors use in such serious cases.
What is Voriconazole?
Simply put, Voriconazole is an antifungal medication. But it's not like a regular pill. It's given as an infusion into a vein. It's like giving you saline. This medication is used to treat and control yeast or other fungal infections that are more severe than regular fungal infections and can spread throughout the body. It's usually given to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this medication, it is very important to tell your doctor about your complete health history. This medication is not suitable for everyone. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Heart disease: If you have heart disease or someone in your family has it.
- Irregular heartbeat: If you have ever had an irregular heartbeat before.
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney disease.
- Liver Disease: If there is any weakness or disease in the liver.
- Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to voriconazole or other antifungal medications, foods, or dyes.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or suspect you are pregnant.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a breastfeeding mother.
It is very important for your own safety that you tell the truth without hiding anything when your doctor asks you these questions.
How to use the medicine and what to be careful about
Because this medicine is given intravenously, it is usually given in a hospital. However, in some cases, your doctor may prescribe it for you to use at home. If so, you will be taught how to use it correctly. It is important to take the correct dose at the correct time.
- Needles and syringes: Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a sharps container. If you don't have one, ask your doctor about how to get one.
- For children: This medicine is also given to children over 2 years of age in some special cases. But it is done with great caution and only under medical supervision.
- If you miss a dose: 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 two doses at the same time.
- If you take too much of this medicine: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Can this interact with other medications? (Drug Interactions)
This is a very, very important point. Voriconazole can interact with many other medications. So, be sure to give your doctor a complete list of all the medications you take—prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamins, and anything else you use.
The table below is just a few examples. This list is not exhaustive.
| Type of medicine | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medications that should never be taken with Voriconazole | |
| Some medicines given for fit | Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital |
| Some cholesterol-lowering medications | Simvastatin, Lovastatin |
| Some antibiotics | Rifampin, Rifabutin |
| Herbal products | St. John's Wort |
| Other medications that may interact with Voriconazole | |
| Anticoagulant | Warfarin |
| Birth control pills | Birth control pills |
| Some medications for diabetes | Glipizide, Glyburide |
| Painkillers | Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Fentanyl, Oxycodone |
Other things to be careful about when taking medication
- Vision: If you experience any changes in your vision (e.g. blurred vision, changes in color vision, sensitivity to light) while taking this medication, tell your doctor immediately .
- Sunlight: Your skin may be very sensitive to sunlight while taking this medicine. Therefore, avoid going out in the sun as much as possible. If you do go out, wear clothes that cover your body well, use a good sunscreen, and avoid using sun lamps or tanning beds.
- Skin allergies: Severe skin allergies can occur even weeks after starting the medication. If you develop a fever, body aches, red or purple blisters on your skin, a rash, peeling skin, or swelling in areas such as your mouth, neck, or armpits, see your doctor immediately .
- Blood tests: Your doctor will order several blood tests while you are taking this medication. These will check how the medication is affecting your liver and kidneys.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Voriconazole can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect |
|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately |
| Severe allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips/mouth/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Vision changes: blurred vision, changes in color vision. |
| Symptoms of liver damage: dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, nausea, loss of appetite. |
| Symptoms of kidney damage: decreased urine output, difficulty urinating. |
| Changes in heart rate: chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, feeling like your heart is beating fast. |
| Severe skin conditions: redness, blistering, peeling skin (can also occur inside the mouth). |
| Bone pain. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist |
| Headache. |
| Nausea, vomiting. |
| Seeing or hearing things that are not there (Hallucinations). |
| Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. |
Take-Home Message
- Voriconazole is a powerful, intravenous drug used to treat severe fungal infections.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about your complete health history and all medications you are taking (including traditional medicines).
- If you experience vision changes, severe skin allergies, or increased sensitivity to sunlight while taking the medication, inform your doctor immediately.
- If you suspect an overdose, go to a hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately or contact the National Poisons Information Center.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others. Always follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
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