ISAVUCONAZOLE

Background and Date of Approval

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted its initial approval for Isavuconazole on March 6, 2015.

Uses

Isavuconazole is an azole antifungal medication used to treat Invasive Aspergillosis and Invasive Mucormycosis.

How is it administered?

Isavuconazole is to be administered as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It is administered by two ways. Isavuconazole capsule is administered either orally with or without food. Isavuconazole injection is administered as an infusion into the vein.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, decreased appetite, low potassium level in blood, hallucinations, drowsiness, shortness of breath, sudden difficulty in breathing, inflamed veins causing blood clots, rash, itching, chest pain, fatigue, problem at the injection site are some common side effects of Isavuconazole. Hypersensitivity (rash, swelling on the lips, tongue, mouth), blisters around the mouth, eye, skin or genitals are some serious side effects that are commonly seen with the use of Isavuconazole.

Warnings

Stop using Isavuconazole and inform your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction like wheezing suddenly, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips, mouth or tongue, feeling severe itching, feeling dizzy or fainting, sweating, rapid heartbeat or pounding in the chest.

Precautions

Inform your doctor about any medications you are using before starting treatment with Isavuconazole. If you have any liver disease, inform your doctor before starting treatment with this medication. Isavuconazole is not to be used in children and adolescents younger than 18 years. Isavuconazole may be harmful during pregnancy. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or think that you might be pregnant unless prescribed to you by your doctor. Isavuconazole may be unsafe during breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while taking this medication unless prescribed by your doctor. Isavuconazole is unsafe during driving and while operating machine as it can cause confusion, fatigue, and sleepiness. You might also pass out.

Word of Advice

Isavuconazole should be used only as prescribed by your doctor. Frequent blood tests will be required to monitor liver function during treatment.

References

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2015/207500Orig1207501Orig1s000TOC.cfm (Accessed on 27/07/2022) https://www.drugs.com/history/cresemba.html (Accessed on 27/07/2022) https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB11633 (Accessed on 27/07/2022) https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Isavuconazole#section=Related-Compounds (Accessed on 27/07/2022) https://www.cresemba.com/frequently-asked-questions (Accessed on 27/07/2022) https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/207500orig1s000lbl.pdf (revised date 03/2015) (Accessed on 27/07/2022) https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5069.pdf (Revised on 10/2021) (accessed on 27/07/2022) https://www.drugs.com/cresemba.html (Accessed on 27/07/2022) https://www.cresemba.com/dosing-administration (Accessed on 27/07/2022) https://www.mrmed.in/medicines/cresemba-200mg-injection (Accessed on 27/07/2022)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Isavuconazole used for?

Isavuconazole is used for treating Invasive Aspergillosis and Invasive Mucormycosis.

What is the Isavuconazole mechanism of action?

Isavuconazole produces fungicidal action by disrupting the biosynthesis of ergosterol, which leads to reduced structural integrity, cell membrane function and causes inhibition of fungal growth and replication, thereby causing cell death .

How is Isavuconazole administered?

Isavuconazole capsule is administered either orally with or without food. Isavuconazole injection is administered as an infusion into the vein.

What are Isavuconazole side effects?

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, decreased appetite, low potassium level in blood, hallucinations, drowsiness, shortness of breath, sudden difficulty in breathing, inflamed veins causing blood clots, rash, itching, chest pain, fatigue, problem at the injection site are some common Isavuconazole side effects.

Can we use Isavuconazole in children?

Isavuconazole is not to be used in children and adolescents younger than 18 years.

Is Isavuconazole safe to use during pregnancy?

Isavuconazole may be harmful during pregnancy. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or think that you might be pregnant unless prescribed to you by your doctor.

Is Isavuconazole safe to use while breastfeeding?

Isavuconazole may be unsafe during breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while taking this medication unless prescribed by your doctor.

Is it safe to drive while using Isavuconazole?

Isavuconazole is unsafe during driving and while operating machines as it can cause confusion, fatigue, and sleepiness. You might also pass out.

Available Brands 7

Written By: Muskan Patel, M.Pharm

Reviewed By: Dr. Vishwa Patel, MBBS