NOTICE: This Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is intended for persons living in Australia.
VORICONAZOLE APO
Voriconazole
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about VORICONAZOLE APO.
It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking VORICONAZOLE APO against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Read this leaflet carefully before taking VORICONAZOLE APO and keep this leaflet.
You may need to read it again.
What VORICONAZOLE APO is used for
This medicine is used to treat fungal and yeast infections such as:
invasive aspergillosis, a fungal infection caused by a fungus called Aspergillus, which usually begins in the respiratory tract (in the nose, sinuses or lungs). Aspergillus is harmless in most healthy people; however, in people with poor immune
systems (such as people who have had organ transplants and people with cancer or HIV/AIDS) invasive aspergillosis can be serious and spread to other tissues and organs.
serious Candida infections, including Candida infections of the oesophagus (food pipe or gullet) and those that have spread into the blood stream or to other parts of the body.
serious fungal infections caused by Scedosporium species and Fusarium species.
other serious fungal infections in patients who do not respond to, or cannot tolerate, other antifungal medicines.
This medicine is also used to prevent invasive fungal infections in patients who are at risk of developing such infections.
Voriconazole belongs to a group of medicines called triazole antifungals.
It works by preventing the growth of fungal and yeast organisms causing your infection.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you.
Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.
This medicine is not addictive.
This medicine is available only with a doctor’s prescription.
Before you use VORICONAZOLE APO
When you must not take it
Do not take VORICONAZOLE APO if you have ever had an allergy to:
any medicine containing voriconazole.
any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
any other similar medicines.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; skin rash, itching or hives.
Do not take VORICONAZOLE APO if you are taking any of the following medicines:
pimozide (e.g. Orap), a medicine used to treat mental illness.
quinidine (e.g. Kinidin Durules), a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat.
rifampicin (e.g. Rifadin, Rimycin), a medicine used to treat tuberculosis and other infections.
carbamazepine (e.g. Tegretol, Teril), a medicine used to treat seizures.
long-acting barbiturates such as phenobarbitone, medicines used to treat severe insomnia and seizures.
rifabutin (e.g. Mycobutin) an antibiotic.
ergotamine (e.g. Cafergot) or dihydroergotamine (e.g. Dihydergot), medicines used to treat migraine.
sirolimus (e.g. Rapamune), a medicine used in transplant patients.
efavirenz (e.g. Stocrin) (a medicine used to treat HIV infection) in doses of 400 mg or more once a day.
ritonavir (e.g. Norvir, Kaletra) (a medicine used to treat HIV infection) in doses of 400 mg or more twice a day.
St John’s Wort (a herbal medicine).
This medicine should not be given to a child under the age of 2 years.
Safety and effectiveness in children younger than 2 years has not been established.
Do not take this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.
If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor first.
Before you start to take it
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any foods, preservatives or dyes or any other medicines, especially antifungal medicines such as itraconazole
(Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan), posaconazole (Noxafil) or ketoconazole (Nizoral) (not all brands given).
Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following medical conditions:
heart problems.
any problems affecting your kidneys.
any problems affecting your liver.
If you have liver disease your doctor may prescribe a lower dose.
recent chemotherapy or stem cell transplant.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
This medicine should not be taken during pregnancy, unless indicated by your doctor. Effective contraception should be used in women of childbearing potential. Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.
Tell your doctor if you are breast- feeding.
This medicine should not be taken whilst breastfeeding, unless indicated by your doctor. It is not known if the active ingredient voriconazole passes into breast milk. Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell your doctor before you start taking VORICONAZOLE APO.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you get without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines should not be taken with VORICONAZOLE APO. These include (not all brands given):
pimozide (e.g. Orap), a medicine used to treat mental illness.
quinidine (e.g. Kinidin Durules), a medicine for irregular heartbeat.
rifampicin (e.g. Rifadin, Rimycin), a medicine used to treat tuberculosis and other infections.
carbamazepine (e.g. Tegretol, Teril), a medicine used to treat seizures.
long-acting barbiturates such as phenobarbitone, medicines used to treat severe insomnia and seizures.
rifabutin (e.g. Mycobutin) an antibiotic.
ergotamine (e.g. Cafergot) or dihydroergotamine (e.g. Dihydergot), medicines used to treat migraine.
sirolimus (e.g. Rapamune) a medicine used in transplant patients.
efavirenz (Stocrin) (a medicine used to treat HIV infection) in doses of 400 mg or more once a day.
ritonavir (e.g. Norvir, Kaletra) (a medicine used to treat HIV infection) in doses of 400 mg or more twice a day.
St John’s Wort, (a herbal medicine).
Some medicines and VORICONAZOLE APO may interfere with each other. These include (not all brands given):
efavirenz (Stocrin) (a medicine used to treat HIV infection) in doses below 400 mg once a day.
ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra) (a medicine used to treat HIV infection) in doses of 100 mg twice a day.
warfarin (e.g. Marevan, Coumadin), a medicine used to stop blood clots.
everolimus (e.g. Afinitor, Certican), a medicine used to treat cancer.
fluconazole (e.g. Diflucan), a medicine used to treat fungal infections.
phenytoin (e.g. Dilantin), a medicine used to treat epilepsy.
cyclosporin (e.g. Sandimmun, Neoral), a medicine used to prevent organ transplant rejection or to treat certain problems with the immune system.
sulphonylureas, medicines used to treat diabetes such as glibenclamide, gliclazide and glipizide (e.g. Daonil, Diamicron, Minidiab).
some antihistamines, medicines used to treat hayfever, allergic skin reactions, itching.
theophylline (e.g. Nuelin), a medicine used to treat asthma.
benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium), medicines used to treat insomnia or anxiety.
statins (e.g. Zocor, Lipitor, Crestor), medicines used for lowering cholesterol.
tacrolimus (e.g. Prograf), a medicine used in patients who have had a liver or kidney transplant.
indinavir (e.g. Crixivan) and some other medicines used to treat HIV infection.
omeprazole (e.g. Losec), a medicine used to treat indigestion, reflux and stomach or duodenal ulcers.
methadone (used to treat heroin addiction).
oral contraceptives (the Pill).
vincristine, vinblastine or vinorelbine, medicines used in treating cancer (e.g. Vepesid).
strong pain killers such as alfentanil (e.g. Rapifen), fentanyl (e.g. Durogesic, Actiq, Sublimaze) and oxycodone (e.g. Endone, Proladone).
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, medicines used to treat pain and inflammation such as ibuprofen and diclofenac (e.g. Nurofen, Advil, Voltaren).
These medicines may be affected by VORICONAZOLE APO or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicines or you may need to take different medicines.
Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking this medicine.
How to take VORICONAZOLE APO
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.
They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
If you do not understand the instructions on the box/bottle, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.
How much to take
Your doctor will tell you how much to take depending on your weight.
Adults
Treatment of invasive fungal infections
The usual dose of VORICONAZOLE APO Tablets in adults weighing 40 kg and greater is 400 mg (two 200 mg tablets twice a day) for the first day and then 200 mg to 300 mg twice a day thereafter.
In adults weighing less than 40 kg
the dose of VORICONAZOLE APO Tablets is halved.
Prevention of invasive fungal infections.
The usual dose in adults weighing 40 kg and greater, one 200 mg tablet twice a day. In adults weighing less than 40 kg the dose of VORICONAZOLE APO Tablets is halved.
Children
VORICONAZOLE APO should not be given to a child under the age of 2 years.
Your doctor will determine the dose of VORICONAZOLE APO required for your child.
Depending on how serious the infection is and how your child reacts to the medicine, your doctor may increase or decrease the dose.
Adolescents (12-16 years of age)
Adolescents aged 12-16 years of age are usually given the same dose as adults.
How to take it
VORICONAZOLE APO needs to be taken regularly to be effective.
Take VORICONAZOLE APO tablets at least one hour before or one hour after a meal.
Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water.
When to take it
Take your medicine regularly at about the same time each day.
Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take it.
How long to take it
The length of time you take this medicine will depend on the type of infection you have.
If you have a weakened immune system or a difficult infection, you may need long-term treatment to prevent the infection from returning.
You may be switched from the injection to VORICONAZOLE APO Tablets once your condition improves.
Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor or pharmacist recommends. Do not stop taking this medicine because you are feeling better.
If you do not complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, the infection may not clear completely or your symptoms may return.
If you forget to take it
If you forget to take one dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.
This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.
If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.
However, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you think that a dose has been forgotten.
If you take too much (overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26) for advice or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital, if you think you or anyone else may have taken too much VORICONAZOLE APO. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
You may need urgent medical attention.
Symptoms of an overdose may include upset stomach, diarrhoea, headache and sensitivity to light.
While you are using VORICONAZOLE APO
Things you must do
Tell your doctor immediately if
you develop a rash or blisters while taking this medicine.
If this rash worsens, VORICONAZOLE APO may need to be stopped.
Avoid going out in the sun for long periods of time while you are taking this medicine.
VORICONAZOLE APO can cause sensitivity to light.
Tell your doctor if you notice any changes to your skin while you are taking this medicine.
If the symptoms of your infection do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, tell your doctor.
Make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions and keep all appointments, including blood tests.
Your doctor should monitor the function of your liver and kidneys using blood tests. If you have liver disease, your doctor might lower your dose of VORICONAZOLE APO or stop your VORICONAZOLE APO treatment. Your doctor might also monitor the function of your pancreas.
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking VORICONAZOLE APO.
Tell any other doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who treat you that you are taking this medicine.
If you are going to have surgery,
tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are taking this medicine.
It may affect other medicines used during surgery.
If you are a woman of child – bearing age, you should avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.
If you are about to have any blood tests, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
It may interfere with the results of some tests.
Things you must not do
Do not take VORICONAZOLE APO to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not give your medicine to anyone else even if they have the same condition as you or if their symptoms seem similar to yours.
Do not stop taking your medicine or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor.
If you do not complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, the infection may not clear completely or your symptoms may return.
Things to be careful of
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how VORICONAZOLE APO affects you.
You may experience changes to your vision, such as blurriness, colour changes or uncomfortable sensitivity to light.
If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous. Do not drive at night.
Children should be careful when riding bicycles or climbing.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking VORICONAZOLE APO.
This medicine helps most people with fungal infections, but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. If they occur, most are likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.
Do not be alarmed by the following lists of possible side effects.
You may not experience any of them.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
changes to your vision, such as blurred vision, colour changes or sensitivity to light
irregular heartbeat
nausea or feeling sick, vomiting
headache
stomach pain, indigestion, diarrhoea
back pain in middle or upper back
swelling of the arms or legs
soreness at the injection site.
If any of the following happen, tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital:
swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
asthma, wheezing, shortness of breath
sudden or severe itching, skin rash, hives or blisters
fainting, seizures or fits
flaking of the skin
yellowing of the skin or eyes, also called jaundice
signs of frequent or worsening infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
blood in urine
signs of kidney failure such as tiredness, lack of appetite and reduced or greatly increased amount of urine
convulsions, fits
These may be signs of a serious allergic reaction or side effect. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. These side effects are rare.
Tell your doctor if you notice any other side effects.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.
After using VORICONAZOLE APO
Storage
VORICONAZOLE APO Tablets
Keep your tablets in the pack until it is time to use them.
If you take the tablets out of the blister pack they may not keep well.
Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C.
Do not store VORICONAZOLE APO or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it on a window sill or in the car.
Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep your medicine where children cannot reach it.
A locked cupboard at least one-and- a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Disposal
If your doctor tells you to stop taking this medicine or the expiry date has passed, ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is left over.
Product description
What it looks like
VORICONAZOLE APO Tablets
VORICONAZOLE APO Tablets come in two strengths, 50 mg and 200 mg.
VORICONAZOLE APO 50 mg Tablets are white to off-white, round tablets marked V50 on one side.
VORICONAZOLE APO 200 mg Tablets are white to off-white, oval tablets marked V200 on one side.
Ingredients
Active Ingredients
VORICONAZOLE APO 50 mg Tablets contain 50 mg of voriconazole as the active ingredient.
VORICONAZOLE APO 200 mg Tablets contain 200 mg of voriconazole as the active ingredient.
Inactive Ingredients
The 50 mg and 200 mg tablets contain the following other ingredients:
lactose monohydrate
pregelatinised maize starch
croscarmellose sodium
povidone
colloidal anhydrous silica
magnesium stearate
hypromellose
Opadry II White OY-LS-28908
Supplier
VORICONAZOLE APO is supplied in Australia by:
Southern Cross Pharma Pty Ltd
Suite 5/118 Church Street
Hawthorn VIC 3122
Australia
Australian Registration Numbers
VORICONAZOLE APO 50 mg blister pack: AUST R 307466
VORICONAZOLE APO 200 mg blister pack: AUST R 307467
Date of preparation
This leaflet was prepared in
August 2018.
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