Isavuconazole
About
Isavuconazole belongs to the class of medicines called antifungals used to treat fungal infections such as invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis. Invasive aspergillosis is an infection caused by Aspergillus fungus. It occurs when the infection spreads from lungs to kidneys, brain, heart or skin. Mucormycosis is a rare but serious fungal infection of the skin or respiratory system that occurs in people with weakened immune systems.
Isavuconazole contains Isavuconazole (antifungal) that works by inhibiting the synthesis of fungal cell membranes, which are essential for their survival. Thereby, Isavuconazole kills or inhibits the growth of the fungus.
Take Isavuconazole as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Isavuconazole for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. Some people may experience headache, decreased appetite, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea or chest pain. Most of these side effects of Isavuconazole do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects worsen or persist, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Isavuconazole or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Isavuconazole is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established. If you are pregnant, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Isavuconazole. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Isavuconazole. Drive only if you are alert after taking Isavuconazole as it may cause drowsiness, confusion or tiredness. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Isavuconazole as it may increase the risk of liver damage.
Uses of Isavuconazole
Medicinal Benefits
Isavuconazole contains Isavuconazole, a broad-spectrum antifungal that is effective against a wide variety of microorganisms. It inhibits the synthesis of fungal cell membranes that are essential for their survival. Thereby, Isavuconazole kills or stops the growth of the fungus.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Isavuconazole
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Chest pain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Isavuconazole or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Isavuconazole is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established. If you are pregnant, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Isavuconazole. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Isavuconazole. Drive only if you are alert after taking Isavuconazole as it may cause drowsiness, confusion or tiredness. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Isavuconazole as it may increase the risk of liver damage. If you experience severe blistering of the eyes, mouth, skin or genitals, seek immediate medical help.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Isavuconazole may interact with anti-HIV drug (ritonavir, efavirenz, etravirine), antibiotic (nafcillin), antitubercular drugs (rifabutin, rifampicin), anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), antifungal (ketoconazole).
Drug-Food Interaction: Isavuconazole may interact with St. John’s wort (herbal medicine to treat depression).
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have liver or heart problems, inform your doctor before taking Isavuconazole.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Isavuconazole as it may increase the risk of liver damage.
Pregnancy
cautionIsavuconazole is given to a pregnant woman if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Isavuconazole. Please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionDrive only if you are alert after taking Isavuconazole as it may cause drowsiness, confusion or tiredness.
Liver
cautionIsavuconazole should be given with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions.
Kidney
cautionIsavuconazole should be given with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions.
Children
unsafeIsavuconazole is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try to avoid areas with a lot of dust like excavation or construction sites. If you can’t avoid it, wear an N95 mask while going to such places.
- Clean skin injuries with soap and water, especially if they have been exposed to dust or soil to decrease the chances of developing a skin infection.
- Bandage all wounds until they heal to prevent fungal infections.
- Wash your hands regularly and keep your hands clean to prevent the spread of germs.
- Avoid dusty activities and digging in the soil.
- Wear shoes, a long-sleeved t-shirt, long pants and a mask while doing outdoor activities such as yard work, gardening or vising wooded areas to protect from fungus commonly present in the environment.
- Maintain a diet that is low in sugar, refined carbohydrates, mould-containing foods and yeast.
Special Advise
Regular blood tests are recommended while taking Isavuconazole to monitor liver functioning.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Invasive aspergillosis: It is an infection caused by Aspergillus fungus. It occurs when the infection spreads from the lungs to the kidneys, brain, heart or skin. It mostly occurs in people with weakened immune systems due to chemotherapy or other conditions such as cancer or AIDS. The symptoms include shortness of breath, fever, chest pain or cough (sometimes with blood).
Mucormycosis: It is a rare but serious fungal infection of the skin or respiratory system that occurs in people with weakened immune systems. If it is left untreated, it can cause death. The symptoms of respiratory infection include nasal congestion, headache, cough, fever or sinus pain. The symptoms of skin infection include redness, swelling, tenderness, blackened skin tissue, blisters or ulcers.
FAQs
Isavuconazole contains Isavuconazole that works by inhibiting the synthesis of fungal cell membranes which are essential for their survival. Thereby, Isavuconazole kills or inhibits the growth of the fungus.
Mucormycosis is not contagious. Mucormycosis is a severe fungal infection of the skin or respiratory system that occurs in people with weakened immune system.
Isavuconazole may cause headache as a common side effect. However, if the condition persists or worsen, please consult a doctor.
You are not recommended to take Isavuconazole with ketoconazole as it may increase the levels of Isavuconazole in blood and increase the risk of side effects such as diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea or liver problems. However, please consult your doctor before taking Isavuconazole with other medicines.
You are not recommended to stop using Isavuconazole without consulting your doctor as it may worsen the condition or cause a recurring infection. Therefore, use Isavuconazole for as long as your doctor has prescribed it and if you experience any difficulty while taking Isavuconazole, please consult your doctor.
