Voriconazole

What is voriconazole?

Voriconazole (also called Vfend^®) is used to prevent and treat fungal infections. It is available as a 50-mg and 200-mg white coated tablet, and as an orange-flavored liquid suspension. All are taken by mouth. It is also available as a clear liquid given by vein (IV).

Laboratory testing of voriconazole

An enzyme in the body called cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) has the ability to break down certain medicines including voriconazole. A genetic test can be done to see if your CYP2C19 breaks down medicines slower or faster than normal. If your body breaks down the medicine slower or faster than normal, you may need to receive a different dose of voriconazole or a different medicine. For information about CYP2C19 and its effect on voriconazole, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, and see “Do you know… CYP2C19 and medicines.” For more details, go to www.stjude.org/pg4kds.

Possible side effects of voriconazole

Early

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain

Later (usually more than a day after treatment starts)

• Changes in vision (blurred vision, color changes, and sensitive to sunlight)
• Swelling in the hands, feet, or ankles
• Changes in liver function that do not last long
• Rash, itching
• Sensitive to sunlight
• Fast heartbeat
• Changes in blood pressure
• Fever, chills
• Headache
• Decrease in the amount of magnesium or potassium in the blood
• Decrease in platelets
• Decrease in kidney function
• Feeling dizzy

These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.

In case of a severe side effect or reaction, call the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist at 901-595-3300. If you are outside the Memphis area, dial toll-free 1-866-2STJUDE (1-866-278-5833), and press 0 once the call is connected.

Special instructions for voriconazole

• Food may keep voriconazole from absorbing well. Take voriconazole one (1) hour before a meal or one (1) hour after a meal.
• Store the tablets at room temperature in a dry place.
• Shake the oral liquid well before measuring the dose. Use an oral syringe to be sure you are taking the correct amount.
• Store the oral liquid at room temperature. Discard the bottle after 14 days or when the expiration date on the label tells you to do so.
• Voriconazole may affect the way other medicines work. These include:
  • Phenobarbital
  • Anthracyclines
  • Busulfan
  • Verapamil
  • Carbamazepine
  • Etoposide/teniposide
  • Phenytoin
  • Rifampin/rifabutin
  • Cyclosporine
  • Tacrolimus
  • Efavirenz
  • Methylprednisolone
  • Omeprazole
  • Nevirapine
  • Delavirdine
  • Ritonavir
  • Simvastatin
  • St. John’s Wort
  • Warfarin
  • Vincristine/vinblastine/vinorelbine
• Always tell your doctor if you are taking these medicines or if you start taking any new medicine while you are taking voriconazole.