VFEND (VORICONAZOLE)

Description of Vfend and What it Treats or Prevents

Vfend or generic Voriconazole is an oral antifungal medication that is prescribed to treat or prevent certain fungal infections caused by Candida, Aspergillus, Scedosporium, and Fusarium species. Many people may not even be aware that they have a fungal infection because their immune system is strong and able to fight the fungi. For those with a compromised immune system, your body cannot work alone and needs the assistance of an antifungal drug. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Aspergillus species of fungi is the most common for causing invasive infections, and is found inside and outside growing on dead leaves, compost piles and other decaying vegetation. Healthy individuals seldom become ill from Aspergillosis as their immune system is strong enough to kill the fungi before it can take a hold of you.

How Vfend Impairs Fungal Cell Membranes

When taken as directed, Vfend works by interfering with a certain enzyme (14a-demethylase) that is essential for the fungi to synthesize ergosterol from lanosterol. The fungi need ergosterol as a vital component of their cell membrane. Without ergosterol, their cell membranes are weak and essential components leak out of them while unwanted substances can enter the membrane. The fungi cannot grow or multiply so they die and the infection will clear up.

Conditions Treated by Vfend

There is an emerging fungal infection that can affect people undergoing cancer treatment, organ transplant, or other conditions that have impaired their immune system’s ability to fight off infections. It is Scedosporium, a microscopic organism from the hyalohyphomycosis family of fungi that usually gains entry through a break in your skin such as a scratch, scrape, or cut and can cause a skin infection anywhere in your body. This fungus can be found in soil, contaminated water, in domesticated bird droppings, or cattle manure.

Before You Receive a Vfend Rx

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding as Vfend may be harmful to your unborn or nursing baby. List the OTC or Rx drugs you currently take or use, including herbal, vitamin, or dietary supplements, and discuss any medical conditions or allergies you are currently being treated for so your doctor can decide if Vfend is the right drug for you.

Recommendations for Vfend

Vfend should be taken at least 1 hour before a meal or 1 hour after. Continue to take Vfend for the time prescribed, even if you feel better or the infection may not be cleared completely and could start up again or the fungi is able to build up a resistant to it. Vfend and other medications should be kept out of children’s reach. Your doctor may recommend blood tests be performed during your treatment.

Possible Side Effects of Vfend

• Rash
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Nausea or vomiting