Isavuconazonium is used to treat dangerous fungal infections, including invasive mucormycosis and invasive aspergillosis, a fungus that starts in the lungs and spreads to other organs through the bloodstream (a fungal infection that usually begins in the sinuses, brain, or lungs). Isavuconazonium belongs to the group of drugs known as azole antifungals. It functions by inhibiting the development of infection-causing fungus.

Isavuconazonium is available as a capsule to be swallowed. During the first six doses, it is often taken with or without food every eight hours, and thereafter only once per day. Take isavuconazonium every day at about the same time(s). Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Isavuconazonium should be taken as prescribed. Never take it in larger or less amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

Do not chew, dissolve, open, or crush the capsules; instead, swallow them whole.

Your general health, the sort of infection you have, and how well you respond to the medication will all influence how long it takes for you to complete your treatment. Isavuconazonium should be taken even if you feel fine. Without consulting your doctor, do not discontinue taking isavuconazonium.

For a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before taking isavuconazonium,

• Isavuconazonium, fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), ketoconazole, posaconazole (Noxafil), voriconazole (Vfend), any other drugs, or any of the constituents in isavuconazonium capsules should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to any of these substances. Get a list of the components from your pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor if you are using phenobarbital, rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, among others), ketoconazole, or St. John’s wort. If you are taking one or more of these drugs, your doctor will probably advise you not to take isavuconazonium.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any additional prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are now taking or intend to use. Incorporate any of the following: midazolam, mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), sirolimus (Rapamune), bupropion (Aplenzin, Forfivo XL, Wellbutrin, in Contrave), cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), digoxin (Digitek, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin), atorvastatin (Lipitor, in Caduet), forfivo XL (Prograf). Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects. Tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, even any not on this list, since many other drugs may also interact with isavuconazonium.
• Inform your physician if you or any family members currently or in the past have short QT syndrome (condition that increases the risk of irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, or sudden death). Most likely, your doctor will advise against taking isavuconazonium.
• Inform your physician if you currently experience or have ever experienced an irregular heartbeat, low potassium levels in the blood, other heart issues, or liver issues.
• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, let your doctor know. Throughout your isavuconazonium treatment and for 28 days following your last dose, you should use birth control to avoid becoming pregnant. Discuss the various birth control methods that will work for you with your doctor. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking isavuconazonium. The foetus could suffer from isavuconazonium.
• If you are breastfeeding, let your doctor know.

If you plan to consume grapefruits or grapefruit juice while taking this medication, consult your doctor.

If you miss a dosage, take it as soon as you recall. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a second one.

Side effects from isavuconazonium are possible. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Headache
• Back ache
• Cough
• Having trouble falling or staying asleep
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Reduction in appetite

Certain adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away if you encounter any of these symptoms, or seek emergency care:

• Hives, face, tongue, or throat swelling, chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, dizziness or fainting, sweating, or trouble breathing or swallowing.
• Blistered or flaking skin
• Symptoms of the flu such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, upper right stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, itching, and extreme exhaustion
• Unsteady heartbeat
• Swelling of the arms, legs, feet, or hands

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Each part of the blister packaging for isavuconazonium comprises two pockets. A desiccant (a little package containing a chemical that absorbs moisture to keep the medication dry) is in the left pocket, while the drug is in the right pocket. Keep the desiccant in the box and only open the isavuconazonium pocket. Isavuconazonium should not be taken out of the original package until you are ready to take a dose. Isavuconazonium shouldn’t be placed in pill containers or organisers. Keep it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medications website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Although many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Moreover, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

Overdose signs could include the following:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Hands or feet tingling, burning, or pain
• Drowsiness
• Having trouble focusing
• Alterations in taste
• Mouth ache
• Tingling in the mouth
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Abrupt facial, upper chest, or neck redness
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Rapid or hammering heartbeat
• Sensitivity to light in the eyes
• Joints hurt

Keep all of your appointments with your physician and the lab. To monitor your body’s reaction to isavuconazonium, your doctor could request specific lab tests.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.