Indications 

Vfend is a prescription medicine indicated for the treatment of serious fungal infections in adults and children aged 2 years and older. These infections include invasive aspergillosis, esophageal candidiasis, candidemia, and certain other refractory fungal infections. 

Belonging to the class of antifungal medications called triazoles, Vfend works by inhibiting the growth of infection-causing fungi. 

Uses and Dosage 

Carefully review the medication guide and patient information leaflet provided by your pharmacist before taking Vfend and every time you get a prescription refill. If you have any concerns or queries, do not hesitate to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. 

The prescribed dosage and duration of treatment with Vfend are determined based on the patient’s medical condition, weight, treatment response, and concurrent medications. 

Typically, Vfend is taken every 12 hours on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or after a meal, as prescribed by the doctor. 

For the best results, take this medication at around the same time every day, exactly how it is prescribed. 

Adhere to the full prescribed dosage of Vfend, even if symptoms subside within a few days. Ceasing the medication prematurely may lead to a recurrence of the infection. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the potential adverse effects of Vfend. Inform your doctor right away if any of these symptoms persist or worsen. 

Common Side Effects 

• Fever, chills, stuffy nose, sneezing, sinus pain, cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing 
• Bruising or bleeding, nosebleeds, or coughing up blood 
• Elevated or reduced blood pressure or accelerated heart rate 
• Electrolyte imbalance 
• Stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation 
• Kidney problems 
• Swelling in the hands or feet 
• Headache, dizziness, alteration in vision, or hallucinations 
• Rash 
• Abnormal liver function tests 

Serious Side Effects 

• Fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in the chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness with a potential of passing out 
• Sunburn 
• Vision problems or changes in color vision 
• Easy bruising, unusual bleeding, or presence of purplish or reddish marks under the skin 
• Reduced heart rate, diminished pulse strength, loss of consciousness, or decreased respiratory rate 
• Indications of increased adrenal gland hormones: 
  • Hunger 
  • Weight gain 
  • Swelling 
  • Skin discoloration 
  • Slow wound healing 
  • Sweating 
  • Acne 
  • Increased body hair 
  • Mood changes 
  • Muscle weakness 
  • Missed menstrual periods 
  • Sexual changes 
• Signs of decreased adrenal gland hormones: 
  • Stomach pain 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Feeling light-headed 
  • Muscle or joint pain 
  • Skin discoloration 
  • Craving salty foods 
• Symptoms of kidney problems: 
  • Little or no urination 
  • Swelling in the feet or ankles 
• Indications of liver problems: 
  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Flu-like symptoms 
  • Itching 
  • Fatigue 
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) 
• Signs of an electrolyte imbalance: 
  • Dizziness 
  • Numbness or tingling 
  • Constipation 
  • Increased thirst or urination 
  • Irregular heartbeats 
  • Cough or choking feeling 
  • Feeling jittery 
  • Leg cramps 
  • Muscle spasms 
  • Muscle weakness or limp feeling 

Contact your doctor right away if you encounter any of the serious side effects above. 

In case of severe skin reaction while taking Vfend, promptly seek medical assistance for symptoms such as: 

• Fever 
• Sore throat 
• Burning eyes 
• Skin pain 
• Red or purple rash with blistering and peeling 

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a severe drug reaction with symptoms such as: 

• Skin rash 
• Fever 
• Swollen glands 
• Muscle aches 
• Severe weakness 
• Unusual bruising 
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes 

Allergic Reactions 

Although rare, a severe allergic reaction to Vfend may occur. Prompt medical assistance must be sought upon noticing any signs of an allergic reaction, such as: 

• Hives 
• Face, lips, tongue, or throat swelling 
• Difficulty in breathing 

Not all side effects of Vfend are included in this list. Tell your doctor of any unlisted effects that may arise. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Vfend, inform your doctor if you have any known allergies, particularly to voriconazole. 

This medication may contain inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other complications. For further information, seek guidance from your pharmacist. 

To ensure Vfend is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, especially if you have a history of liver disease or heart problems like irregular heartbeat. 

Inform all your healthcare providers about your complete medication regimen, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, to lower the risk of drug interaction with Vfend. 

Vfend can potentially inhibit the metabolism of various medications, including: 

• Eletriptan 
• Ergot alkaloids (e.g., dihydroergotamine, ergotamine) 
• Antiarrhythmic drugs like disopyramide, dronedarone, and quinidine 
• Ivabradine 
• Lurasidone 
• Naloxegol 
• Pimozide 
• Ranolazine 
• Sirolimus 
• Certain “statin” cholesterol drugs such as lovastatin and simvastatin 
• Tolvaptan 

Various medications can impact the metabolism of Vfend, potentially altering its effectiveness. Notable examples include: 

• Butalbital 
• Efavirenz 
• Mitotane 
• Rifamycins (e.g., rifabutin, rifampin) 
• Ritonavir 
• Secobarbital 
• Seizure medications like carbamazepine and phenobarbital 
• St. John’s wort 

The use of Vfend may result in impaired vision and increased sensitivity to light. Avoid driving at night and refrain from operating machinery during the day if experiencing any visual issues while on this medication. 

Avoid excessive sun exposure and wear protective attire, sunglasses, and sunscreen when taking Vfend, as it can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. In certain cases, patients using this medication have developed skin cancer, necessitating dermatologist screenings during and after treatment. 

The use of Vfend may result in QT prolongation, which can occasionally trigger severe and life-threatening fast irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (e.g., intense dizziness, loss of consciousness). Immediate medical intervention is necessary in such cases. 

Vfend poses risks to fetal development. Employ reliable contraception methods to avoid pregnancy and inform your doctor promptly if conception occurs. 

Vfend may interact with certain birth control pills, potentially leading to heightened side effects. Consult your doctor regarding the most suitable contraceptive method while undergoing Vfend treatment. 

Consult your doctor regarding potential risks associated with breastfeeding while taking Vfend.