Posaconazole is used to prevent certain fungal
infections in patients who have severely weakened immune systems (such as
patients who have had chemotherapy). It belongs to a class of drugs known
as azole antifungals. It works by stopping the growth of
fungi.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using posaconazole and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into a vein as
directed by your doctor, usually once daily. It should be injected slowly
over 90 minutes.
If you are giving this medication to yourself at home,
learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care
professional. Before using, check this product for particles or
discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to
store and discard medical supplies safely.
The length of treatment is based on your medical
condition.
This medication works best when the amount of medicine
in your body is kept at a constant level. Use this drug at evenly spaced
intervals.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain,
dizziness, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects last or
get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check
your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are
high.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- unusual tiredness
- easy bruising/bleeding
- weakness
- muscle cramps
- mental/mood changes
- swelling of the ankles/feet
- signs of infection (such as chills, fever)
- vaginal bleeding
- shortness of breath
- increased thirst/urination
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- severe dizziness
- fainting
Posaconazole has rarely caused very serious (possibly
fatal) liver disease. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms
of liver disease, including:
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- yellowing eyes/skin
- dark urine
- severe stomach/abdominal pain
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
Posaconazole can commonly cause a mild rash that is
usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a
rare rash that could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. Get medical
help right away if you develop any rash.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using posaconazole, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other azole antifungals (such
as ketoconazole); or if you have any other allergies. This product may
contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other
problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Posaconazole may cause a condition that affects the
heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious
(rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe
dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right
away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have
certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT
prolongation. Before using posaconazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist of
all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following
conditions:
- certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT
prolongation in the EKG)
- family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in
the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may
also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you
use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have
conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your
doctor about using posaconazole safely.
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Alcohol may also increase the risk of serious liver
problems.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Other medications can affect the removal of posaconazole
from your body, which may affect how posaconazole works. Examples include
efavirenz, rifamycins (such as rifabutin), certain drugs used to treat
seizures (such as phenytoin), among others.
This drug can slow down the removal of other drugs from
your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of affected drugs
include certain alpha blockers (such as alfuzosin, silodosin, tamsulosin),
certain benzodiazepines (such as midazolam), dronedarone, ergot alkaloids
(such as ergotamine, dihydroergotamine), pimozide, quinidine, rivaroxaban,
sirolimus, certain "statin" drugs (such as simvastatin, lovastatin),
venetoclax, among others.
Many drugs besides posaconazole may affect the heart
rhythm (QT prolongation), including pacritinib, among
others.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney/liver function,
blood pressure, blood mineral levels such as calcium, magnesium, potassium)
should be done before you start using this medication and while you are
using it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for
more details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for
storage details. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.