Vfend

Generic name:voriconazole (oral/injection) [ vor-i-KON-a-zole ]
Drug class:Azole antifungals

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Nov 10, 2020.

What is Vfend?

Vfend is an antifungal medicine.

Vfend is a prescription medicine used to treat infections caused by yeast or other types of fungus. These infections are called "aspergillosis," "esophageal candidiasis," "Scedosporium," "Fusarium," and "candidemia".

It is not known if Vfend is safe and effective in children younger than 2 years old.

Warnings

Do not use Vfend if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.

There are many other medicines that can cause serious or life-threatening drug interactions with voriconazole. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use.

Before taking Vfend, tell your doctor if you have heart rhythm problems, an electrolyte imbalance, liver or kidney disease, or a history of allergy to other antifungal medications such as fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or itraconazole (Sporanox).

Take Vfend for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antifungal medicine. This medicine will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Voriconazole can cause problems with your vision. If you use Vfend for more than 28 days, you may need to have your eyes checked.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Vfend if you are allergic to voriconazole.

Many drugs can interact and cause dangerous effects. Some drugs should not be used together with Vfend. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:

• carbamazepine;

• cisapride;

• efavirenz;

• pimozide;

• quinidine;

• rifabutin, rifampin;

• ritonavir;

• sirolimus;

• St. John's wort;

• certain barbiturates (mephobarbital, phenobarbital); or

• "ergot" migraine headache medicines (dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine).

To make sure Vfend is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, or a heart rhythm disorder;

• high or low levels of calcium, potassium, or magnesium in your blood;

• liver or kidney disease; or