POSACONAZOLE
Background and Date of Approval
Posaconazole belongs to a group of medicines called azole antifungals. The U.S. FDA approved posaconazole for medical use in 2006.
Uses
Posaconazole is used to treat fungal infections, oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), and Prophylaxis of invasive aspergillus and candida infections in severely immunocompromised patients.
How is it administered?
Posaconazole is available as an injection, delayed-release tablet, syrup or oral suspension. The recommended dose of Posaconazole tablet is 300 mg twice daily and must be taken with food. Avoid crushing, chewing, or breaking the tablets; swallow them whole. Posaconazole injection is usually given over 30 to 90 minutes in your vein. Take each oral suspension dose within 20 minutes after a full meal. A measured dosing spoon comes with your oral suspension and is marked for 2.5 ml and 5 ml doses. Follow your doctor's instructions attentively and continue to take it at the dose and time suggested by your doctor. It may worsen your symptoms, so don't stop taking it without first talking to your doctor.
Side Effects
The common side effects of Posaconazole are fever, headache, cough, low potassium levels in the blood, constipation, loss of appetite, stomach pain, numbness or tingling, heartburn, high blood pressure, rashes, and itching. Inform your physician immediately if you experience an allergic reaction, liver problems, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Warnings
Contact your physician immediately if you have a history of allergic reactions, liver or kidney problems, blood disorders, heart diseases, and low levels of magnesium and potassium. Regular blood tests are advised before and during using Posaconazole to check liver function, particularly if you have any liver problems. Report to your doctor if you have severe diarrhea or vomiting, as this may stop it from working properly.
Precautions
Consult your doctor before using Posaconazole if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will prescribe this medication only if it is necessary for you. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while on the treatment with Posaconazole as it passes into the breastmilk.
Word of Advice
Posaconazole may cause dizziness, weakness, and blurred vision. Patients should avoid driving or operating machinery during treatment. High-sugar and high-carbohydrate diets should be avoided, as these may increase Candida count in some patients. Limiting or avoiding alcohol and caffeine intake during Posaconazole treatment is advisable.
References
Merck Sharp & Dohme (UK) Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Oct 2021] [Accessed on 18th Aug 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5388.pdf Merck Sharp & Dohme Corporation, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on 2015] [Accessed on 18th Aug 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/022003s018s020,0205053s002s004,0205596s001s003lbl.pdf L. Chen et al., Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Posaconazole, Drugs, 2020, 80:671â695, https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s40265-020-01306-y.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Posaconazole used for?
Posaconazole is used to treat fungal infections, oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), and Prophylaxis of invasive aspergillus and candida infections in severely immunocompromised patients.
What are the common side effects of Posaconazole?
Fever, headache, cough, low potassium levels in the blood, constipation, loss of appetite, stomach pain, numbness or tingling, heartburn, high blood pressure, rashes, and itching are some common side effects of Posaconazole.
Is Posaconazole an effective medication?
Posaconazole is effective when administered at the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Continue taking it if you feel that your condition has improved. Posaconazole may cause the symptoms to return or worsen if you stop taking it too soon.
What is the Posaconazole mechanism of action?
Posaconazole inhibits ergosterol synthesis by binding to and inhibiting the lanosterol-14alpha-demethylase enzyme, which is found in almost all fungi and is a key component of the fungal cell membrane. It stops the activity of the organisms responsible for fungus infections.
Is Posaconazole safe for pregnancy?
Posaconazole is not advised if you intend to become pregnant since it could harm the unborn child. Therefore, discuss your pregnancy plans with your doctor.
How is Posaconazole taken?
Posaconazole should be taken with food for the best benefit. Follow your doctor's instructions attentively and continue to take it at the dose and time suggested by your doctor. It may worsen your symptoms, so don't stop taking it without first talking to your doctor.
What are the available Posaconazole doses?
Posaconazole is available as an injection, delayed-release tablet, syrup or oral suspension. The recommended dose of Posaconazole tablet is 300 mg twice daily.
Why is posaconazole so expensive?
Posaconazole, in its various forms like an injection, delayed-release tablet, syrup, and oral suspension, is indeed priced high due to its specialized nature and effectiveness in treating certain severe fungal infections. However, at Mrmed, we offer significant discounts on these medications to make them more accessible to patients. The high cost is primarily due to the research, development, and stringent quality control processes in creating specialized antifungal treatments like posaconazole. By providing substantial discounts, we aim to ensure patients can afford these essential medications without compromising their health.