Isavuconazole
About Isavuconazole
Isavuconazole is an oral prescription medication used to treat serious, invasive fungal infections in adults. It is primarily prescribed to combat deep tissue infections, such as those affecting the lungs or other internal organs, caused by specific types of molds. This medication helps clear these complex infections by stopping the growth of the fungi responsible for them.
For the treatment to be successful, you must take Isavuconazole regularly and exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You can take this medicine with or without food, making it easy to incorporate into your daily routine. While undergoing treatment, getting plenty of rest, staying well-hydrated, and avoiding environments with high mold exposure can support your body's recovery process.
While taking Isavuconazole, some people may experience mild side effects like nausea, vomiting, or headache. However, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice signs of liver damage, such as yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe upper stomach pain. Your doctor may perform regular blood tests to monitor your liver health during your treatment.
Before starting Isavuconazole, inform your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, heart rhythm issues, or severe allergies. Do not take this if you have a genetic heart condition known as familial short QT syndrome, as this medicine can affect your heart's electrical activity. It is crucial to share your complete medical history to ensure this treatment is safe for you.
This medication can interact with several other drugs, including certain heart medicines, antibiotics, or herbal supplements, which may alter how they or Isavuconazole work in your body. Avoid drinking alcohol while on this medication, as it can place extra strain on your liver. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an older adult, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.
You may notice the name isavuconazonium sulfate on your medicine pack or hospital records. This is the inactive form (prodrug) of the medicine that is converted into active Isavuconazole inside your body. Both names refer to the same treatment.
Uses of Isavuconazole
Medicinal Benefits
Isavuconazole provides the following benefits when used as prescribed:
- Treat Severe Fungal Infection: Isavuconazole provides crucial support for patients fighting severe fungal infections, helping them on the path to recovery. By stopping the spread of dangerous fungi, this medication allows your body's immune system to heal and reduces the risk of life-threatening complications.
- High Oral Absorption: Isavuconazole is well absorbed when taken by mouth, allowing many patients who start treatment with intravenous (IV) medicine in the hospital to switch to oral capsules once their condition is stable. This makes long-term treatment more convenient. Any switch between IV and oral treatment should always be decided by your doctor.
Directions for Use
- Isavuconazole can be taken with or without food.
- It is recommended to take Isavuconazole 3 times a day on the first two days, then once daily afterward, or as advised by your doctor.
- Swallow Isavuconazole as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or open it.
Storage
Side Effects of Isavuconazole
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea or upset stomach
- Headache
- Low potassium levels in the blood (which may cause muscle weakness)
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, pale stools, or severe abdominal pain)
- Severe allergic reactions (including skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and difficulty breathing)
- Changes in heart rhythm (such as a fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat)
- Severe blistering or peeling of the skin
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Complete the Full Course: Always complete the entire course of treatment prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better after a few days.
- Inspect Packaging Before Use: Regularly inspect your medication packaging to ensure the blister seals are completely intact before taking a capsule.
- Monitor Liver Function: Have regular blood tests as recommended by your doctor to monitor your liver function while taking this medication.
- Inform all Healthcare Providers: Inform every healthcare provider you visit that you are currently taking Isavuconazole, as it can interact with many other drugs.
- Use Effective Contraception: Use effective birth control during treatment and for a specified time after your final dose, as this medication may harm an unborn baby.
- Attend Follow-up Appointments: Your doctor may recommend additional blood tests or other monitoring during treatment to check how well the medicine is working and ensure it remains safe for you. In some complex cases, special blood tests may be performed to measure medicine levels in your body.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may affect how Isavuconazole works or increase the risk of side effects:
- CYP Enzyme Interaction: Taking Isavuconazole with strong liver enzyme inhibitors or inducers (such as rifampin, ketoconazole, or carbamazepine) can significantly alter the levels of the medicine in your body.
- Increase Other Drug Levels: It may also increase the levels of other drugs, such as certain blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or cholesterol-lowering medicines, raising the risk of their side effects.
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
- Eat Balanced Diet: Keep your immune system supported by eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Avoid Mold Exposure: Avoid environments with a high risk of mold spores, such as damp basements, construction sites, or heavily wooded areas, especially if you have a weakened immune system.
- Stay Hydrated: Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to help your kidneys and liver process the medication efficiently.
- Avoid Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol during your treatment, as both alcohol and this medication are processed by the liver, and combining them can increase the risk of liver strain.
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 is used to treat fungal infections such as invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis.
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.
Isavuconazole belongs to the class of medicines called antifungals used to treat fungal infections such as invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis.
Inform your doctor about your medical history, current medications, allergies, and if you're pregnant or breastfeeding before starting treatment with Isavuconazole.
Isavuconazole should not be used in people who are allergic to any of its components and children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Isavuconazole is safe when used as prescribed by your doctor. However, it may cause side effects like headache, decreased appetite, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and chest pain while using it.
The common side effects of Isavuconazole may include 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.
Yes, you can take Isavuconazole either with or without food. However, it is important to take it consistently and exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience stomach upset.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular routine. Do not double the dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
In some cases, Isavuconazole can cause liver strain or damage. Your doctor will likely monitor your liver enzymes with blood tests before and during treatment. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe stomach pain. Talk to your doctor for more information.
You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Both alcohol and Isavuconazole are processed by your liver, and combining them can increase the risk of liver damage. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
This medication is generally not recommended during pregnancy as it may cause harm to an unborn baby. It is also unknown if it passes into breast milk. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting this treatment.
Store the capsules at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F) in their original blister packaging to protect them from moisture. Keep them away from heat, freezing conditions, and out of reach of children. Talk to your pharmacist about proper disposal of unused capsules.
No, you must complete the entire course of treatment prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better. Stopping early can allow the fungal infection to return or worsen. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your medication schedule.
Author Details
