Posaconazole (By mouth)

Introduction:

Posaconazole

Prevents certain fungus infections in patients who have a weakened immune system. Also treats an infection in the mouth or throat called "oral thrush." This medicine is an antifungal antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Noxafil

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine during or right after (within 20 minutes) a full meal or liquid nutritional supplement. It may also be taken with an acidic beverage such as ginger ale.
• Shake the oral liquid well before using.
• Measure the oral liquid with the marked measuring spoon that is in the package. Rinse the measuring spoon with water after using and before storage.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using atazanavir (Reyataz®), cimetidine (Tagamet®), cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®), digoxin (Digitek®, Lanoxin®), efavirenz (Sustiva®), esomeprazole (Nexium®), metoclopramide (Reglan®), midazolam (Versed®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), rifabutin (Mycobutin®), ritonavir (Norvir®), tacrolimus (Prograf®, Protopic®), vinblastine (Velban®), or vincristine (Oncovin®, Vincasar®).
• Tell your doctor if you are also using medicines to lower cholesterol or triglycerides (such as lovastatin, Lescol®, Lipitor®, Pravachol®, Zocor®), or blood pressure medicines (such as diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil, Cartia®, Lotrel®, Norvasc®, Plendil®, Tiazac®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of heart disease, heart rhythm problems (such as QT prolongation), liver disease, kidney disease, or low amounts of potassium, magnesium, or calcium in your blood. Tell your doctor if you have had allergic reactions to any other antifungal medicines, such as fluconazole (Diflucan®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), or voriconazole (Vfend®).
• Tell your doctor if you have severe diarrhea or vomiting while you are using this medicine.
• This medicine can cause serious heart rhythm problems. Tell your doctor right away if you notice a change in your heart rhythm, such as fast, pounding or irregular heartbeats.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting.
• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Pinpoint red or purple spots under your skin.
• Severe diarrhea.
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat.
• Swelling in your hands, legs, ankles, or feet.
• Tremors.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Unusual vaginal bleeding.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back pain.
• Constipation, mild diarrhea, stomach pain, or upset stomach.
• Headache.
• Joint, muscle, or bone pain.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nosebleeds.
• Skin rash or itching.
• Trouble sleeping or anxiety.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: