Isavuconazonium (oral/injection)

Generic name: isavuconazonium (oral/injection) [ EYE-sa-vue-KOE-na-ZOE-nee-um ]
Brand name: Cresemba
Dosage forms: intravenous powder for injection (372 mg), oral capsule (186 mg; 74.5 mg)
Drug class: Azole antifungals

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 28, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is isavuconazonium?

Isavuconazonium is used in adults and children at least 1 year old to treat infections caused by certain types of fungus (aspergillosis or mucormycosis).

Isavuconazonium capsule is used only in adults and children who are at least 6 years old and weigh at least 35 pounds (16 kg).

Isavuconazonium may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Isavuconazonium side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your medical caregiver if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, sweaty, or have a headache, chest tightness, back pain, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face.

Isavuconazonium may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of isavuconazonium may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain;

• rash, itching;

• swelling in your arms or legs;

• headache, back pain;

• cough, shortness of breath;

• low potassium; or

• abnormal liver function tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

You should not use isavuconazonium if you have a genetic heart rhythm disorder called short QT syndrome.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Some drugs should not be used with isavuconazonium.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use isavuconazonium if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• a genetic heart rhythm disorder called short QT syndrome.

Some drugs should not be used with isavuconazonium. Your treatment plan may change if you also use:

• carbamazepine;

• ketoconazole;

• long-acting barbiturates such as phenobarbital;

• rifampin;

• lopinavir and ritonavir (at high doses); or

• St. John's wort.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• a heart rhythm disorder;

• history of an allergic reaction to antifungal medicine, such as fluconazole, isavuconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, or voriconazole; or

• liver disease.

May harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control while using isavuconazonium and for at least 28 days after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using isavuconazonium.

How should I use isavuconazonium?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Depending on your condition your doctor will determine the best formulation for you.

Isavuconazonium oral is taken by mouth. Isavuconazonium injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider may give you this injection or may teach you how to properly use this medicine by yourself.

Isavuconazonium injection can also be given through a nasogastric tube. Your healthcare provider will give you this medicine.

You may take the isavuconazonium capsule with or without food. Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or dissolve it.

Do not give isavuconazonium capsule through a nasogastric tube.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Be sure you understand how to properly mix the isavuconazonium injection with a liquid (diluent) and how to store the mixture.

You will need medical tests to check your liver and heart function before and during treatment with isavuconazonium.

Do not stop using isavuconazonium unless your doctor tells you to.

Follow all storage instructions provided with isavuconazonium. Your healthcare provider can provide more information about how to store this medicine.

Isavuconazonium dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Aspergillosis -- Invasive:

Loading Dose: 372 mg IV or orally every 8 hours for 6 doses (48 hours)
Maintenance Dose: 372 mg IV or orally once a day

Comments:
-Isavuconazonium sulfate is the prodrug of isavuconazole; 372 mg of isavuconazonium sulfate is equivalent to 200 mg of isavuconazole.
-Maintenance doses should be started 12 to 24 hours after the last loading dose.

Uses: For the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and invasive mucormycosis

Usual Adult Dose for Mucormycosis -- Invasive:

Loading Dose: 372 mg IV or orally every 8 hours for 6 doses (48 hours)
Maintenance Dose: 372 mg IV or orally once a day

Comments:
-Isavuconazonium sulfate is the prodrug of isavuconazole; 372 mg of isavuconazonium sulfate is equivalent to 200 mg of isavuconazole.
-Maintenance doses should be started 12 to 24 hours after the last loading dose.

Uses: For the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and invasive mucormycosis

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using isavuconazonium?

Avoid taking an herbal supplement containing St. John's wort.

What other drugs will affect isavuconazonium?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect isavuconazonium, especially:

• medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection--cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect isavuconazonium. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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