Noxafil (Posaconazole)

(poe'' sa kon' a zole)

Posaconazole injection is used to prevent fungal infections in people with a weakened ability to fight infection. Posaconazole injection is in a class of medications called azole antifungals. It works by slowing the growth of fungi that cause infection.

Posaconazole injection comes as a powder to be mixed with liquid and injected intravenously (into a vein). It is usually infused (injected slowly) twice daily on the first day and then once a day. Your doctor will determine how long you need to use this medication. You may receive posaconazole injection in a hospital or you may administer the medication at home. If you will be receiving posaconazole injection at home, your healthcare provider will show you how to use the medication. Be sure that you understand these directions, and ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Before receiving posaconazole injection,
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to posaconazole; other antifungal medications such as fluconazole (Diflucan), isavuconazonium (Cresemba), itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox), ketoconazole (Extina, Nizoral, Xolegel), or voriconazole (Vfend); any other medications; or any of the ingredients in posaconazole injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications: atorvastatin (Lipitor, in Caduet); ergot-type medications such as bromocriptine (Cycloset, Parlodel), cabergoline, dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), ergoloid mesylates (Hydergine), ergonovine, ergotamine (Ergomar, in Cafergot, in Migergot), and methylergonovine (Methergine); lovastatin (Altoprev, in Advicor); pimozide (Orap); quinidine (in Nuedexta); simvastatin (Zocor, in Simcor, in Vytorin); or sirolimus (Rapamune). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take posaconazole if you are taking one or more of these medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), midazolam, and triazolam (Halcion); calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia, Tiazac, others), felodipine, nicardipine (Cardene), nifedipine (Adalat, Afeditab CR, Procardia), and verapamil (Calan, Covera, Verelan, others); cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune); digoxin (Lanoxin); efavirenz (Sustiva, in Atripla); erythromycin (E.E.S., ERYC, Erythrocin, others), fosamprenavir (Lexiva); glipizide (Glucotrol); phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); rifabutin (Mycobutin); ritonavir and atazanavir (Reyataz); tacrolimus (Astagraf, Envarsus XR, Prograf); vinblastine; and vincristine (Marquibo Kit). Many other medications may also interact with posaconazole, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a slow or irregular heartbeat; a prolonged QT interval (a rare heart problem that may cause irregular heartbeat, fainting, or sudden death); problems with blood circulation; low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium in your blood; or kidney, or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while receiving posaconazole injection, call your doctor.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Posaconazole injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• fever
• headache
• chills or shaking
• stomach pain
• constipation
• diarrhea
• back, joint, or muscle pain
• nosebleeds
• coughing

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• rash
• itching
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• flu-like symptoms
• dark urine
• pale stools
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• sudden loss of consciousness
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• shortness of breath

Posaconazole injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to posaconazole injection. Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish posaconazole injection, call your doctor. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.