Vfend (Voriconazole)

What is Vfend?

Vfend is an azole antifungal medication.

What is Vfend used for?

Vfend is used for the treatment of serious fungal infections. It also treats infection caused by yeast or other types of fungi.

How does Vfend work?

Vfend hinders the growth of the fungal cell wall, which causes the fungus to die.

How to use Vfend

Strictly follow your doctor’s instructions and in case of doubts go through the instruction leaflet attached with the medicine.

The dose is to be taken keeping in mind the exact dosage prescribed by your physician. A gap of one hour is to be maintained before the consumption of this drug. Shake well before use and measure the exact dosage in the measuring spoon.

The medicine should not be mixed with any other liquid or drug.

Vfend warnings and precautions

Vfend is likely to cause blurred vision and this condition can worsen with the intake of alcohol. If you are taking the medicine at night, avoid attention demanding activities like driving.

As Vfend makes you extra sensitive to sunlight, you may experience heatstrokes, so stay away from direct and harsh sunlight. Use a sunscreen lotion, as a preventive measure.

Before commencing with dental or any other treatment, inform the doctor about the use of Vfend. Also, check with the doctor if the above stated symptoms do not recover, as it might require some medical attention.

Women should surely talk to their doctors about some safe birth control, as it is not advisable to conceive during the course of your treatment with Vfend.Your doctor might ask you for some lab tests. Ensure that you do not miss any of them, as these are done to keep a check on the risks of side effects.

Take special care when dealing with children below the age of 12, as its effectiveness has yet not been confirmed.

Pregnant and lactating women should discuss with the doctor about the risks involved.

What do I do if I have missed a Vfend dose?

If you have missed your Vfend dose, you should take it just as you remember. If it’s time for the next dose, take the regular scheduled dose and get back to the routine.  Do not take two doses at the same time.

What do I do if I have taken a Vfend overdose?

If you have taken a Vfend overdose, you should immediately call the local poison control centre or talk to your doctor.

Vfend interactions

Drugs like carbamazepine, Efavirenz, hydantoins, barbiturates, St. John’s wort, rifampin and ritonavir might decrease the effectiveness of Vfend.

The side effects related with Vfend are said to increase if it is made to interact with certain medicines.

These include HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, anticoagulants, sulfonylureas, methadone, pimozide, vinca alkaloids, aripiprazole, benzodiazepines, macrolide immunosuppressants, erlotinib, ergot alkaloids, cyclosporine, Cisapride, H₁ antagonists’ methadone, vinca alkaloids, and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

Oral contraceptives, HIV protease inhibitors and proton pump inhibitors react with Vfend and increase the side effects of both the medicines.

Vfend side effects

Some of the minor side effects of Vfend are sensitivity to light, change in color perception, stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, mood changes, and headache.

In case of severe side effects of Vfend, it is advised that you immediately seek medical aid. The major side effects comprise one-sided weakness, severe headache, allergic reactions, suicidal thoughts, unusual vaginal bleeding, black or tarry stools, unusual bruising or bleeding, pain or numbness of an arm or leg, unusual fatigue, decreased urination, seizure, yellowing of the eyes or skin, etc.