Posaconazole Injection

(poe'' sa kon' a zole)

Brand Name(s): Noxafil^®

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Posaconazole injection is used to prevent serious fungal infections that can spread throughout the body in adults and children 2 years of age and older with a weakened ability to fight infection. Posaconazole injection is also used to treat invasive aspergillosis (a serious fungal infection that begins in the lungs and spreads through the bloodstream to other organs) in adults and teenagers 13 years of age and older. Posaconazole injection is in a class of medications called azole antifungals. It works by slowing the growth of fungi that cause infection.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Posaconazole injection comes as a liquid to be injected intravenously (into a vein). It is usually infused (injected slowly) over 30 to 90 minutes 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.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

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, Tolsura), ketoconazole, or voriconazole (Vfend); any other medications; or any of the ingredients in posaconazole injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

• Some medications should not be taken with posaconazole injection. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting posaconazole injection with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping or changing any medications while taking posaconazole injection, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while taking posaconazole injection. 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.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

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

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

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
• nosebleeds
• coughing

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

• extreme tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, dark urine, pale stools, or flu-like symptoms
• rash
• itching
• 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.

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

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.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

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. 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.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2024. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: June 15, 2022.