Vfend (Voriconazole) is a prescription medication used to treat patients with worsening and possibly life-threatening fungal infections. Life-threatening fungal infections are present with asthma-like symptoms, muscle aches, fatigue, weight loss, and chest pain. Vfend is used for fungal infections, including invasive aspergillosis and candidaemia in patients with abnormally low white blood cell count. The drug is also used to treat severe invasive Candida sp. infections when the fungus is resistant to other antifungal medicine like fluconazole. Vfend is also used to treat serious fungal infections caused by two different fungi species, Scedosporium sp. or Fusarium sp. The active ingredient in Vfend is Voriconazole. Voriconazole belongs to a class of antifungal medications called triazoles. It works by slowing the growth of the fungi causing the infection.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Vfend from Turkey manufactured by Pfizer in the strength of 200mg tablets only. The generic Voriconazole is also available from India also called Vorizol by Natco Pharma and from Canada by a different manufacturer in the strength of 50 mg and 200 mg tablets.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Vfend. The most common side effects of Vfend may include the following:
• Bloating;
• Bruising;
• Dizziness;
• Hallucinations;
• Headache;
• Nosebleeds;
• Stomach pain;
• Swelling in hands or feet;
• Vision changes;
• Vomiting
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Changes in color vision;
• Fast or pounding heartbeats;
• Feeling jittery;
• Leg cramps;
• Little or no urination;
• Muscle spasms;
• Muscle weakness;
• Skin discoloration;
• Sudden dizziness;
• Weight gain
These are not all of the side effects of Vfend. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not take Vfend if you are allergic to Voriconazole, any ingredient in Vfend, or other antifungal medications. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant;
• Have an electrolyte imbalance;
• Have heart rhythm problems;
• Have intolerance to some sugars or dairy products;
• Have kidney disease;
• Have liver disease
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Vfend and ritonavir, glasdegib, rifabutin, phenytoin, warfarin, ciclosporin, etc. Avoid simvastatin, midazolam, omeprazole, axitinib, tretinoin, ibuprofen, or fentanyl with Vfend. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Vfend can harm an unborn baby. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception while taking this drug. Voriconazole can interact with certain birth control pills and increase side effects. Ask your doctor for the best method of birth control when taking Vfend. It is not known if Vfend is excreted in breast milk. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Take Vfend precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Use the tablets one hour before or one hour after eating a meal. Use this drug for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Patients with weak immune systems or difficult infections may require long-term treatment to prevent the infection from returning. Voriconazole is only used for treating fungal infections. The drug will not treat viral infections like the flu or a common cold. This drug may cause vision problems. Use sunglasses during the day to protect your eyes from bright light. Do not drive or carry out any activity that requires alertness. Vfend can make you more sensitive to sunlight and cause serious skin reactions. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when you are outdoors. Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
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