Posaconazole

What is Posaconazole for?

Posaconazole is an anti-fungal medication which works by interfering with the growth of fungi. It is used to treat fungal infection and may also be used to prevent fungal infection in patients after transplant or in patients with weak immunity.

How should I take or use Posaconazole?

• Posaconazole Delayed Release Tablet:
• Tablet may be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, chew, break or dissolve the tablet.
• Posaconazole Oral Suspension:
• Shake the oral suspension well before use. Take the oral suspension with a full meal or with 240 mL of nutritional supplement. If you are unable to take a full meal, the oral suspension may be taken with an acidic carbonated beverage.
• Do not inter-switch between posaconazole delayed release tablet and posaconazole oral suspension unless instructed by your doctor due to differences in the dosing of each formulation.
• Do not stop taking your medication unless instructed by your healthcare professional (e.g. doctor, pharmacist).

What should I do if I forget to take or use Posaconazole?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Posaconazole?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Posaconazole may cause harm to an unborn child. Effective contraceptives must be used in women of child bearing potential.
• It is not known if posaconazole is excreted into breast milk. Due to possible risks to the baby, please discuss with your doctor if you intend to breastfeed.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Posaconazole?

Posaconazole can have interaction when taken with other medications. These include:

• Blood thinners (e.g. warfarin)
• Tuberculosis medications (e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin)
• Anti-virals to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (e.g. efavirenz, atazanavir, ritonavir)
• Seizures medications (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine)
• Immunosuppressants (e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus)
• Cholesterol lowering medications (e.g. simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin)
• Gastric medications (e.g. omeprazole, esomeprazole, famotidine, ranitidine, cimetidine)
• Interaction is more significant with posaconazole syrup than delayed release tablet
• Heart medications (e.g. diltiazem, verapamil)
• Chemotherapy agents (e.g. vinca alkaloids)
• Migraine medications (e.g. ergotamine)

However, this list of medications is non-exhaustive. Hence, please inform your doctor of all medications (including over-the counter (OTC) medications) you are taking prior to starting posaconazole and any new medications while on posaconazole treatment.

What are some common side effects of Posaconazole?

Common side effects include:

• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Increase fluids and electrolytes intake as tolerated unless you have specific fluid restriction instructed by your doctor.
• Headache and muscle pain
• You may take painkillers e.g. paracetamol (Panadol) if the pain is mild.
• High blood pressure, swelling in the arms and legs
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Nose bleed
• Heart rhythm problems e.g. very fast heartbeat, very slow heartbeat, dizziness, fainting

If you experience any of these symptoms, or if the symptoms persist or get worse, please inform your doctor.

Rare but serious side effects include:

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Liver problems: signs include dark urine, light-coloured stools, yellowing of the white of your eyes or skin (jaundice). Severe nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite may also be experienced in severe liver problems.

Pancreas problems: signs include severe abdominal pain or back pain, severe nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store Posaconazole?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

How do I throw away Posaconazole safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.