Isavuconazonium (Monograph)
Brand name: Cresemba
Drug class: Azoles
Chemical name: [2-[[[1-[1-[(2R,3R)-3-[4-( 4-Cyanophenyl)-2-thiazolyl]-2-(2,5-difluorophenyl)-2-hydroxybutyl]-4H-1,2,4-triazolium-4-yl]ethoxy]carbonyl]methylamino]-3-pyridinyl]methyl ester-N-methyl-glycine sulfate (1:1)
Molecular formula: C35H35F2N8O5S•HO4SC22H17F2N5OS
CAS number: 946075-13-4
Introduction
Antifungal; azole (triazole derivative); prodrug of isavuconazole.1 5 6 7 8
Uses for Isavuconazonium
Aspergillosis
Treatment of invasive aspergillosis;1 8 29 designated an orphan drug by FDA for this indication.2
IDSA considers IV voriconazole the drug of choice for primary treatment of invasive aspergillosis;423 amphotericin B and isavuconazonium recommended as alternatives for primary treatment.423 For salvage therapy in patients refractory to or intolerant of primary antifungal therapy, IDSA recommends IV amphotericin B, an IV echinocandin (caspofungin, micafungin), oral or IV posaconazole, or itraconazole oral suspension.423
Consult current IDSA clinical practice guidelines available at [Web] for additional information on management of aspergillosis.423
Mucormycosis
Treatment of invasive mucormycosis;1 8 30 designated an orphan drug by FDA for this indication.2
Esophageal Candidiasis
Treatment of esophageal candidiasis† [off-label].16 440
Esophageal candidiasis requires treatment with a systemic antifungal (not a topical antifungal).425 440
IDSA recommends oral fluconazole as the preferred drug of choice for treatment of esophageal candidiasis;425 if oral therapy not tolerated, IV fluconazole or an IV echinocandin (anidulafungin, caspofungin, micafungin) recommended.425
For treatment of esophageal candidiasis in HIV-infected adults, CDC, NIH, and IDSA recommend oral or IV fluconazole or itraconazole oral solution.440 Oral or IV voriconazole, oral isavuconazonium, an IV echinocandin (anidulafungin, caspofungin, micafungin), or IV amphotericin B recommended as alternatives.440
Consult current IDSA clinical practice guidelines available at [Web]425 and current CDC, NIH, and IDSA clinical practice guidelines for prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections in HIV-infected individuals available at [Web]440 for additional information on management of esophageal candidiasis.
Candidemia and Other Invasive Candida Infections
Has been used for treatment of candidemia and other invasive infections caused by Candida† [off-label];17 designated an orphan drug by FDA for treatment of invasive candidiasis/candidemia.2
Isavuconazonium Dosage and Administration
Administration
Administer orally or by IV infusion.1
Oral Administration
Administer capsules orally without regard to meals.1
Swallow whole; do not chew, crush, dissolve, or open.1
IV Administration
For solution and drug compatibility information, see Compatibility under Stability.
Administer only by IV infusion;1 do not administer by rapid or direct IV injection.1
Must be reconstituted and further diluted prior to IV infusion.1
Do not infuse simultaneously with other IV drugs.1
If same IV line used for sequential infusion of several different drugs, flush IV line with 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% dextrose injection before and after infusion.1
Must be infused using infusion set with inline membrane filter with pore size of 0.2–1.2 µm.1
Vials contain no preservatives;1 for single use only.1
Reconstitution and Dilution
Reconstitute vial containing 372 mg of isavuconazonium sulfate by adding 5 mL of sterile water for injection.1 Gently shake to dissolve the lyophilized powder.1
Inspect for particulate matter and discoloration;1 reconstituted solution should appear clear and free of visible particulates.1
Immediately dilute reconstituted solution or, alternatively, store at <25°C for maximum of 1 hour prior to dilution.1
To dilute, remove 5 mL of reconstituted solution from vial and add to IV bag containing 250 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection to provide a solution containing approximately 1.5 mg of isavuconazonium sulfate per mL.1
Translucent to white particulates of isavuconazole may be visible in the diluted solution;1 gently mix or roll IV bag to minimize formation of particulates.1 Avoid unnecessary vibration or vigorous shaking;1 do not transport the solution using a pneumatic transport system.1
Because the reconstituted and diluted solution must be administered using infusion set with inline membrane filter with a pore size of 0.2–1.2 µm, apply reminder sticker to the IV bag.1
Complete IV infusion within 6 hours after dilution when stored at room temperature.1 If refrigerated at 2–8°C immediately after dilution, complete IV infusion within 24 hours after dilution.1
Rate of Administration
Administer by IV infusion over ≥1 hour.1
Dosage
Available as isavuconazonium sulfate (inactive prodrug of isavuconazole).1
Dosage usually expressed in terms of isavuconazonium sulfate;1 also has been expressed in terms of isavuconazole.8 16 17 423 440
Each 186 mg of isavuconazonium sulfate is equivalent to 100 mg of isavuconazole.1
Oral and IV dosages are identical.1 Switching between oral and IV routes is acceptable;1 loading dosage not needed when switching between oral and IV preparations.1
Adults
Aspergillosis
Oral or IV
Loading dosage of 372 mg of isavuconazonium sulfate (equivalent to 200 mg of isavuconazole) every 8 hours for 6 doses;1 423 12–24 hours after final loading dose, begin maintenance dosage of 372 mg of isavuconazonium sulfate (equivalent to 200 mg of isavuconazole) once every 24 hours.1 423
Base total duration of treatment on severity of underlying disease, recovery from immunosuppression, and response to the drug.1 423 In a clinical study, mean duration of treatment was 45 days and protocol-defined maximum treatment duration was 84 days.29 IDSA recommends treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis be continued for at least 6–12 weeks.423
Mucormycosis
Oral or IV
Loading dosage of 372 mg of isavuconazonium sulfate (equivalent to 200 mg of isavuconazole) every 8 hours for 6 doses;1 12–24 hours after final loading dose, begin maintenance dosage of 372 mg of isavuconazonium sulfate (equivalent to 200 mg of isavuconazole) once every 24 hours.1
Base total duration of treatment on severity of underlying disease, recovery from immunosuppression, and response to the drug.1 In a clinical study, median duration of treatment was 102, 33, or 85 days in those receiving the drug for initial treatment (primary treatment), disease refractory to other antifungal therapy, or intolerance to other antifungal therapy, respectively.1 3
Esophageal Candidiasis† [off-label]
Oral
HIV-infected adults: Loading dose of 372 mg of isavuconazonium sulfate (equivalent to 200 mg of isavuconazole) followed by 93 mg of isavuconazonium sulfate (equivalent to 50 mg of isavuconazole) once daily or loading dose of 744 mg of isavuconazonium sulfate (equivalent to 400 mg of isavuconazole) followed by 186 mg of isavuconazonium sulfate (equivalent to 100 mg of isavuconazole) once daily.440 Alternatively, 744 mg of isavuconazonium sulfate (equivalent to 400 mg of isavuconazole) once weekly.440
CDC, NIH, and IDSA recommend treatment of esophageal candidiasis be continued for 14–21 days.440
Special Populations
Hepatic Impairment
Mild or moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A or B): Manufacturer states dosage adjustments not necessary.1 Some clinicians suggest that reduced dosage be considered.12
Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C): Dosage recommendations not available;1 pharmacokinetics not studied.1 Use in such patients only when benefits outweigh risks.1 (See Hepatic Impairment under Cautions.)
Renal Impairment
Dosage adjustments not needed in adults with mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment, including those with end-stage renal disease.1 (See Renal Impairment under Cautions.)
Geriatric Patients
Dosage adjustments not needed based on age and gender.1
Cautions for Isavuconazonium
Contraindications
-
Hypersensitivity to isavuconazole (active metabolite of isavuconazonium).1
-
Familial short QT syndrome.1 (See Cardiovascular Effects under Cautions.)
-
Concomitant use with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers.1 (See Interactions.)
Warnings/Precautions
Sensitivity Reactions
Serious hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) and severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome) reported in patients receiving other azole antifungals.1
Data regarding cross-sensitivity with other azole antifungals not available.1 Use with caution in patients hypersensitive to other azoles.1
If severe adverse cutaneous reaction occurs, discontinue isavuconazonium.1
Hepatic Effects
Serious hepatic effects, including hepatitis, cholestasis, and hepatic failure (sometimes fatal), reported in patients with serious underlying medical conditions (e.g., hematologic malignancy) receiving an azole antifungal, including isavuconazonium.1
Less severe hepatic effects (e.g., increased ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin concentrations) also reported.1 Liver function test elevations generally were reversible and did not require discontinuance of isavuconazonium.1
Perform liver function tests prior to and monitor during isavuconazonium therapy.1 If abnormal liver function tests occur during therapy, monitor for development of more severe hepatic injury.1 If signs and symptoms of liver disease occur, discontinue isavuconazonium.1
Infusion Reactions
Infusion reactions (e.g., hypotension, dyspnea, chills, dizziness, paresthesia, hypoesthesia) reported.1
To reduce risk of infusion reactions, dilute reconstituted solution in 250 mL of compatible diluent and administer by IV infusion over ≥1 hour.1 (See IV Administration under Dosage and Administration.)
If infusion reaction occurs, discontinue the IV infusion.1
Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality
May cause fetal harm.1 Has been associated with increased perinatal mortality and skeletal abnormalities in animals;1 skeletal abnormalities also observed in animal studies evaluating other azole antifungals.1
Use during pregnancy only if potential benefits to the woman outweigh potential risks to fetus.1 (See Pregnancy under Cautions.)
Cardiovascular Effects
Shortens corrected QT (QTc) interval in a dose-related manner.1 Contraindicated in patients with familial short QT syndrome (see Contraindications under Cautions).1 Concomitant use with other drugs that shorten QTc interval not evaluated.1 (See Drugs that Shorten the QT Interval under Interactions.)
Atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, bradycardia, palpitations, supraventricular extrasystoles, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular extrasystoles, and cardiac arrest also reported.1
Interactions
Concomitant use with drugs that are potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, high-dose ritonavir) or inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, St. John's wort [Hypericum perforatum], long-acting barbiturates) is contraindicated.1 (See Interactions.)
Administration Precautions
IV solutions of isavuconazonium must be given by IV infusion through an inline filter to remove any insoluble particulates that may be present.1 (See IV Administration under Dosage and Administration.)
Selection and Use of Antifungals
Prior to initiation of isavuconazonium, obtain appropriate specimens for fungal culture and other relevant laboratory studies (including histopathology) to isolate and identify causative organism(s).1 May be started pending availability of results, but adjust antifungal therapy as needed when results become available.1
Information on test methods and quality control standards for in vitro susceptibility testing of antifungal agents and specific interpretive criteria for such testing recognized by FDA is available at [Web].1
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Category C.1
Use during pregnancy only if potential benefits to the woman justify potential risks to fetus.1
No adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.1 Based on data from animal reproduction studies, isavuconazonium is predicted to have the potential for increasing the risk of adverse developmental outcomes above background risk.1
Lactation
Distributed into milk in rats.1 Do not breast-feed while receiving isavuconazonium.1
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy not established in patients <18 years of age.1
Geriatric Use
No substantial difference in pharmacokinetics between geriatric and younger adults.1
Hepatic Impairment
Mild or moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A or B): AUC increased, systemic clearance decreased, half-life prolonged.1 12 Clinical importance unknown.12
Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C): Use isavuconazonium only if benefits outweigh risks.1 If used in such patients, monitor for adverse effects.1 Pharmacokinetics not evaluated.1
Renal Impairment
Mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment: No clinically important effects on pharmacokinetics.1
Common Adverse Effects
GI effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, dyspepsia, decreased appetite),1 elevated bilirubin and liver enzymes (e.g., ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyltransferase),1 metabolic effects (hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia),1 respiratory effects (dyspnea, cough, acute respiratory failure),1 headache,1 fatigue,1 insomnia,1 back pain,1 chest pain,1 peripheral edema,1 hypotension,1 renal failure,1 delirium (e.g., agitation, confusional state, disorientation, mental status changes),1 anxiety,1 rash,1 pruritus,1 administration site reactions.1
Drug Interactions
Because isavuconazonium rapidly metabolized to isavuconazole in vivo, interactions are reported for isavuconazole.1
Isavuconazole is metabolized by CYP3A4 and 3A5 and subsequently by UGT.1
Moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4;1 inhibits CYP2C8, 2C9, 2C19, and 2D6 in vitro.1 Induces CYP3A4, 2B6, 2C8, and 2C9 in vitro.1
Weak inhibitor of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and organic cation transporter (OCT) 2.1 Also inhibits breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP).1 Does not inhibit organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B1 or OATP1B3.15
Drugs Affecting or Metabolized by Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes
Concomitant use with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers may increase or decrease plasma concentrations of isavuconazole, respectively, and is contraindicated.1
Drugs Affecting or Affected by Membrane Transporters
If used concomitantly with drugs that are P-gp substrates and have a narrow therapeutic index, dosage adjustment of the P-gp substrate may be required.1
Drugs that Shorten the QT Interval
Possibility of additive effects if used concomitantly with drugs that shorten the QT interval not evaluated to date.1 (See Cardiovascular Effects under Cautions.)
Specific Drugs
Drug |
Interaction |
Comments |
---|---|---|
Antiretrovirals, HIV entry and fusion inhibitors |
Maraviroc: Potential increased maraviroc concentrations200 |
Maraviroc: Use maraviroc dosage of 150 mg twice daily200 |
Antiretrovirals, HIV integrase inhibitors (INSTIs) |
Bictegravir: Potential increased bictegravir concentrations200 Cobicistat-boosted elvitegravir: Increased isavuconazole concentrations expected; increased elvitegravir and cobicistat concentrations possible200 |
Bictegravir: Dosage adjustments not needed200 Cobicistat-boosted elvitegravir: Consider monitoring isavuconazole concentrations and assessing virologic response200 |
Antiretrovirals, HIV nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) |
Doravirine or rilpivirine: Possible increased concentrations of the NNRTI200 Efavirenz, etravirine, or nevirapine: Potential decreased isavuconazole concentrations200 |
Doravirine or rilpivirine: Dosage adjustments not needed200 Efavirenz, etravirine, or nevirapine: May need to adjust dosage of the antifungal;200 consider monitoring isavuconazole concentrations and antifungal response200 |
Antiretrovirals, HIV protease inhibitors (PIs) |
Fixed combination of lopinavir and ritonavir (lopinavir/ritonavir): Increased isavuconazole peak concentrations and AUCs;1 200 decreased lopinavir and ritonavir AUCs and potential loss of antiretroviral efficacy1 200 High-dose ritonavir (400 mg twice daily): Potential increased isavuconazole exposure1 Other HIV PIs: Potential increased isavuconazole concentrations and altered HIV PI concentrations200 |
Lopinavir/ritonavir: Use concomitantly with caution;1 consider monitoring isavuconazole concentrations and toxicities and assessing virologic response200 High-dose ritonavir (400 mg twice daily): Concomitant use contraindicated1 Other HIV PIs: Consider monitoring isavuconazole concentrations and toxicity;200 also consider monitoring HIV PI toxicities and virologic response200 |
Atorvastatin |
Potential increased atorvastatin exposure1 |
Use concomitantly with caution;1 monitor for atorvastatin-related adverse effects1 |
Barbiturates, long-acting |
Potential decreased isavuconazole exposure1 |
Concomitant use contraindicated1 |
Bupropion |
Decreased bupropion exposure1 |
Use concomitantly with caution;1 increased bupropion dosage may be needed (do not exceed maximum recommended dosage)1 |
Caffeine |
No clinically important effects on caffeine pharmacokinetics1 15 |
|
Carbamazepine |
Potential decreased isavuconazole exposure1 |
Concomitant use contraindicated1 |
Cyclophosphamide |
Use concomitantly with caution4 |
|
Dextromethorphan |
No clinically important effects on dextromethorphan pharmacokinetics1 15 |
|
Digoxin |
Increased digoxin exposure1 |
Use concomitantly with caution;1 monitor digoxin concentrations and adjust digoxin dosage accordingly1 |
Efavirenz |
Use concomitantly with caution4 |
|
Estrogens/Progestins |
Oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone: No clinically important effects on ethinyl estradiol or norethindrone pharmacokinetics1 15 |
|
Immunosuppressive agents (cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, sirolimus, tacrolimus) |
Cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus: Increased concentrations and AUC of the immunosuppressive agent1 Mycophenolate mofetil: Increased mycophenolic acid exposure1 |
Cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus: Use concomitantly with caution;1 monitor concentrations of the immunosuppressive agent and adjust immunosuppressive agent dosage accordingly1 Mycophenolate mofetil: Use concomitantly with caution;1 monitor for mycophenolic acid-related toxicities1 |
Ketoconazole |
Increased peak concentrations and AUC of isavuconazole1 |
Concomitant use contraindicated1 |
Metformin |
No clinically important effects on metformin pharmacokinetics1 15 |
|
Methadone |
No clinically important effects on methadone pharmacokinetics1 15 |
|
Methotrexate |
No clinically important effects on methotrexate pharmacokinetics1 15 |
|
Midazolam |
Increased midazolam exposure1 |
Use concomitantly with caution;1 consider reducing midazolam dosage1 |
Prednisone |
No clinically important effects on prednisone pharmacokinetics1 15 |
|
Proton-pump inhibitors (esomeprazole, omeprazole) |
Esomeprazole: No clinically important effects on isavuconazole pharmacokinetics1 Omeprazole: No clinically important effects on omeprazole pharmacokinetics1 15 |
|
Repaglinide |
No clinically important effects on repaglinide pharmacokinetics1 15 |
|
Rifampin |
Decreased peak concentrations and AUC of isavuconazole1 |
Concomitant use contraindicated1 |
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) |
Potential decreased isavuconazole exposure1 |
Concomitant use contraindicated1 |
Warfarin |
No clinically important effects on warfarin pharmacokinetics1 15 |
Isavuconazonium Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Following oral or IV administration, isavuconazonium sulfate is rapidly and almost completely (>98%) hydrolyzed by esterases in the blood to yield the active moiety, isavuconazole, and an inactive cleavage product.1 10 11
Well absorbed following oral administration (absolute bioavailability 98%).1
Peak plasma concentrations achieved in approximately 2–4 hours after oral administration1 10 11 or 0.7–1 hour after start of IV infusion.1 10
Food
Administration with high-fat meal has no clinically important effect on oral absorption.1
Plasma Concentrations
Steady-state concentrations probably not achieved until after 2 weeks.11
Special Populations
Reduced bioavailability possible in patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.13
Distribution
Extent
Extensively distributed into tissues.1 10
Distributed into milk in rats.1
Plasma Protein Binding
Elimination
Metabolism
In vivo studies indicate isavuconazole is metabolized by CYP3A4 and 3A5 and, subsequently, by UGT.1
Elimination Route
Following oral administration of radiolabeled isavuconazonium sulfate, 46% of total radioactive dose recovered in feces (approximately 33% as isavuconazole) and 46% recovered in urine (principally as metabolites of isavuconazole and metabolites of the inactive cleavage product).1 4
Only negligible amounts (<1%) of a dose of isavuconazonium sulfate are eliminated in urine as active isavuconazole.1 10
Isavuconazole is not readily dialyzable.1
Half-life
Single-dose study in adults using oral or IV isavuconazonium sulfate indicates mean distribution half-life of isavuconazole is 1.7–2.1 or 0.42–1.6 hours, respectively, and mean terminal elimination half-life of isavuconazole is 56–77 or 76–104 hours, respectively.10
Special Populations
Mild or moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A or B): Mean AUC increased by 64 or 84%. respectively.1 After IV administration, half-life increased to 224 or 302 hours, respectively, compared with 123 hours in healthy individuals.12
Mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment: Pharmacokinetics not altered.1
Geriatric patients: Pharmacokinetics not affected by age.1
Stability
Storage
Oral
Capsules
20–25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C);1 store in original package and protect from moisture.1
Parenteral
Powder for IV Infusion
2–8°C.1
Dilute immediately after reconstitution;1 alternatively, may be stored at <25°C for a maximum of 1 hour prior to dilution.1
Total time from dilution to completion of IV infusion should not exceed 6 hours when stored at room temperature or 24 hours when refrigerated at 2–8°C immediately after dilution.1 Do not freeze.1
Compatibility
Parenteral
Solution Compatibility1 HID
Compatible |
---|
Dextrose 5% in water |
Sodium chloride 0.9% |
Drug CompatibilityHID
Compatible |
---|
Amikacin sulfate |
Amiodarone HCl |
Anidulafungin |
Aztreonam |
Calcium chloride |
Calcium gluconate |
Caspofungin acetate |
Ceftolozane sulfate-tazobactam sodium |
Ciprofloxacin |
Cisatracurium besylate |
Daptomycin |
Dexmedetomidine HCl |
Digoxin |
Diltiazem HCl |
Diphenhydramine HCl |
Dobutamine HCl |
Dopamine HCl |
Doripenem |
Doxycycline hyclate |
Epinephrine |
Eptifibatide |
Esmolol HCl |
Famotidine |
Fentanyl citrate |
Gentamicin sulfate |
Hydrocortisone sodium succinate |
Hydromorphone HCl |
Imipenem-cilastatin sodium |
Insulin, regular |
Labetalol HCl |
Levofloxacin |
Lidocaine HCl |
Linezolid |
Lorazepam |
Magnesium sulfate |
Mannitol |
Meperidine HCl |
Mesna |
Metoclopramide HCl |
Midazolam HCl |
Milrinone lactate |
Morphine sulfate |
Mycophenolate mofetil HCl |
Naloxone HCl |
Nesiritide |
Nicardipine HCl |
Nitroglycerin |
Norepinephrine bitartrate |
Octreotide acetate |
Ondansetron HCl |
Phenylephrine HCl |
Potassium chloride |
Ranitidine HCl |
Rocuronium bromide |
Sodium nitroprusside |
Tacrolimus |
Tigecycline |
Tobramycin sulfate |
Vancomycin HCl |
Vasopressin |
Vecuronium bromide |
Incompatible |
Albumin human |
Amphotericin B |
Amphotericin B lipid complex |
Amphotericin B liposomal |
Ampicillin sodium-sulbactam sodium |
Cefazolin sodium |
Cefepime HCl |
Ceftaroline fosamil |
Ceftazidime |
Ceftriaxone sodium |
Cefuroxime sodium |
Colistimethate sodium |
Cyclosporine |
Dexamethasone sodium phosphate |
Ertapenem sodium |
Esomeprazole sodium |
Filgrastim |
Fosphenytoin sodium |
Furosemide |
Heparin sodium |
Meropenem |
Meropenem-vaborbactam |
Methylprednisolone sodium succinate |
Micafungin sodium |
Pantoprazole sodium |
Phenytoin sodium |
Potassium phosphates |
Propofol |
Sodium bicarbonate |
Sodium phosphates |
Tedizolid phosphate |
Variable |
Azithromycin |
Bumetanide |
Penicillin G potassium |
Piperacillin sodium-tazobactam sodium |
Actions and Spectrum
-
Triazole antifungal;1 5 6 7 8 9 structurally similar to fluconazole and voriconazole.7 22
-
Isavuconazonium is a prodrug and is inactive until hydrolyzed in the blood to isavuconazole.1 6 7 8 9
-
Like other triazole antifungals, inhibits 14-α-demethylase, which leads to accumulation of methylated sterols (e.g., 14-α-methylated lanosterol, 4,14-dimethylzymosterol, 24-methylenedihydrolanosterol) and decreased concentrations of ergosterol in fungal cell membranes.1 6 7 8 Depletion of ergosterol affects cell membrane integrity and function and can lead to fungal cell death.1 6 7
-
Aspergillus: Active in vitro and in clinical infections against A. flavus,1 8 14 19 20 21 23 24 A. fumigatus,1 8 14 19 20 21 23 24 and A. niger.1 8 14 19 20 21 23 24 Also has in vitro activity against A. lentulus,8 23 A. nidulans,8 14 20 21 23 24 A. sydowii,23 A. terreus,8 14 19 20 21 23 24 A. versicolor,8 and A. welsitschiae.23
-
Mucorales: Active in vitro and in clinical infections against fungi in the order Mucorales, including Rhizopus (R. oryzae, R. azygospurus, R. microsporus),1 8 19 Mucor (M. amphibiorum,1 M. circinelloides1 8 14 ), Lichtheimia (L. corymbifera; formerly Absidia corymbifera),1 8 14 and Rhizomucor (R. pusillus).1 8 14 19 In vitro, less active against Mucorales compared with Aspergillus.8 23
-
Candida: Active in vitro against C. albicans,8 14 19 20 23 24 28 C. dubliniensis,8 14 19 23 24 C. glabrata,8 14 18 19 20 23 24 28 C. guilliermondii,8 14 18 19 23 C. kefyr,23 28 C. krusei,8 14 18 19 20 23 24 28 C. lusitaniae,8 14 19 23 28 C. orthopsilosis,8 23 C. parapsilosis,8 14 19 20 23 24 28 and C. tropicalis.8 14 19 20 23 24 28 Some strains of C. auris (often misidentified as C. haemulonii, C. famata, or Rhodotorula glutinis) inhibited in vitro by isavuconazole concentrations of 0.004–0.25 mcg/mL.25 26 27 Has in vitro activity against some Candida with reduced susceptibility or resistance to fluconazole.6 14 19
-
Other fungi: Although clinical importance unclear, active in vitro against Blastomyces dermatitidis,14 Coccidioides posadasii,14 Cryptococcus gattii,8 14 C. neoformans,8 14 19 23 24 Geotrichum capitatum,8 14 Histoplasma capsulatum,8 14 Penicillium,19 Pichia,14 Rhodotorula,8 14 Saccharomyces cerevisiae,8 14 23 24 Scedosporium,8 14 19 Trichosporon,14 19 and dermatophytes (Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, T. tonsurans, Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis).8 14
-
Resistance or reduced susceptibility to isavuconazole may occur.1 5 6 8 14 18 22 Aspergillus23 24 and Candida23 24 28 with reduced susceptibility or resistance to isavuconazole reported.
-
Cross-resistance can occur between isavuconazole and other azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, voriconazole).1 5 8 19 22 24
Advice to Patients
-
Isavuconazonium can be taken with or without food.1
-
Importance of swallowing capsules whole, without crushing, chewing, dissolving, or opening.1
-
Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, and any concomitant illnesses (e.g., liver disease, familial short QT syndrome).1
-
Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.1 (See Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality under Cautions.)
-
Importance of advising patients of other important precautionary information.1 (See Cautions.)
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.
Routes |
Dosage Forms |
Strengths |
Brand Names |
Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oral |
Capsules |
186 mg (equivalent to 100 mg isavuconazole) |
Cresemba |
Astellas |
Parenteral |
For injection, for IV infusion |
372 mg (equivalent to 200 mg isavuconazole) |
Cresemba |
Astellas |
AHFS DI Essentials™. © Copyright 2024, Selected Revisions September 9, 2019. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
† Off-label: Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
References
1. Astellas Pharma US, Inc. Cresemba (isavuconazonium sulfate) capsules and for injection prescribing information. Northbrook, IL; 2018 Apr.
2. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Application: Search Orphan Drug Designations and Approvals. Rockville, MD. From FDA website. Accessed 2015 Apr 13. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/opdlisting/oopd/index.cfm
3. Food and Drug Administration. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Application number: 207500Orig1s000/207501Orig1s000: Medical review(s). From FDA website. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2015/207500Orig1207501Orig1s000MedR.pdf
4. Food and Drug Administration. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Application number: 207500Orig1s000/207501Orig1s000: Clinical pharmacology and biopharmaceutics review(s). From FDA website. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2015/207500Orig1207501Orig1s000ClinPharmR.pdf
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