Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
oral suspension
- 40mg/mL (105mL)
tablet, delayed-release
- 100mg
injectable solution
- 18mg/mL (300mg/16.7mL-vial)
Invasive Aspergillus & Candida Infections
Oral suspension or delayed-release tablets are indicated for prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in patients who are at high risk of developing these infections due to being severely immunocompromised (eg, hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients with GVHD, hematologic malignancies with prolonged neutropenia from chemotherapy)
Oral suspension: 200 mg (5 mL) PO TID
Tablet: 300 mg PO BID on Day 1, then 300 mg PO qDay
IV: 300 mg IV BID on Day 1, then 300 mg IV qDay (see IV preparation and administration)
Duration of therapy is based on recovery from neutropenia or immunosuppression
Oropharyngeal Candidiasis
Oral suspension is indicated for oropharyngeal candidiasis
100 mg (2.5 mL) PO BID on Day 1, then 100 mg PO qDay for 13 days
Refractory to itraconazole and/or fluconazole: 400 mg (10 mL) PO BID; duration based on severity of underlying disease and clinical response
Dosage Modifications
Renal impairment
-
Tablets or oral suspension
- Severe (eGFR <20 mL/min): Due to variability, closely monitor for breakthrough fungal infections
-
Injection
- Moderate-to-severe (eGFR <50 mL/min): Avoid unless benefit outweighs the risks
- Accumulation of IV vehicle (betadex sulfobutyl ether sodium [SBECD]), expected to occur
- If unavoidable, closely monitor serum creatinine; if increases occur, consider switching to oral therapy
Hepatic impairment
- Mild-to-severe (Child-Pugh A to C): No dosage adjustment necessary; no specific study was conducted with the injection or tablets
Orphan Designations
Treatment of invasive aspergillosis
Treatment of zygomycosis
Sponsor
- Merck, Sharp & Dohme Corp; 1 Merck Drive; Whitehouse Station, New Jersey 08889
Dosage Forms & Strengths
oral suspension
- 40mg/mL (105mL)
oral suspension, delayed-release
- 300mg
- Reconstituted concentration: ~30 mg/mL
tablet, delayed-release
- 100mg
injectable solution
- 18mg/mL (300mg/16.7mL-vial)
Invasive Aspergillus & Candida Infections
Indicated for prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in patients who are at high risk of developing these infections due to being severely immunocompromised (eg, hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients with GVHD, hematologic malignancies with prolonged neutropenia from chemotherapy)
IV
- <2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
-
≥2 years
- Loading dose: 6 mg/kg IV BID on Day 1; not to exceed 300 mg BID, then
- Maintenance dose: 6 mg/kg IV qDay starting on the Day 2; not to exceed 300 mg qDay
- Duration of therapy is based on recovery from neutropenia or immunosuppression
Tablets
- <2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
-
≥2 years and >40 kg
- Loading dose: 300 mg PO BID on Day 1, then
- Maintenance dose: 300 mg PO qDay starting on the Day 2
- Duration of therapy is based on recovery from neutropenia or immunosuppression
Oral suspension
- <13 years: Safety and efficacy not established
-
≥13 years
- Loading and maintenance dose: 200 mg PO TID
- Duration of therapy is based on recovery from neutropenia or immunosuppression
Delayed-release oral suspension
- <2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
-
≥2 years and ≤40 kg
- 10 to <12 kg: 90 mg PO BID on Day 1, then 90 mg PO qDay starting on Day 2
- 12 to <17 kg: 120 mg PO BID on Day 1, then 120 mg PO qDay starting on Day 2
- 17 to <21 kg: 150 mg PO BID on Day 1, then 150 mg PO qDay starting on Day 2
- 21 to <26 kg: 180 mg PO BID on Day 1, then 180 mg PO qDay starting on Day 2
- 26 to <36 kg: 210 mg PO BID on Day 1, then 210 mg PO qDay starting on Day 2
- 36-40 kg: 240 mg PO BID on Day 1, then 240 mg PO qDay starting on Day 2
- Duration of therapy is based on recovery from neutropenia or immunosuppression
Oropharyngeal Candidiasis
Oral suspension is indicated for oropharyngeal candidiasis
<13 years: Safety and efficacy not established
≥13 years
- Oral suspension: 100 mg (2.5 mL) PO BID on Day 1, then 100 mg PO qDay for 13 days
- Refractory to itraconazole and/or fluconazole: 400 mg (10 mL) PO BID; duration based on severity of underlying disease and clinical response
Dosage Modifications
Renal impairment
-
Tablets or oral suspension
- Severe (eGFR <20 mL/min): Due to variability, closely monitor for breakthrough fungal infections
Hepatic impairment
- Mild-to-severe (Child-Pugh A to C): No dosage adjustment necessary; no specific study was conducted with the injection or tablets
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results

Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor

Adverse Effects
>10%
Injection
- Diarrhea (10-42%)
- Pyrexia (21-31%)
- Nausea (19-30%)
- Hypokalemia (22-28%)
- Rash (15-24%)
- Headache (14-21%)
- Vomiting (12-19%)
- Epistaxis (14-17%)
- Abdominal pain (13-17%)
- Peripheral edema (12-15%)
- Cough (9-13%)
- Constipation (8-13%)
- Hypomagnesemia (11-13%)
- Decreased appetite (10-12%)
- Hypertension (8-11%)
- Thrombocytopenia (7-11%)
- Upper abdominal pain (6-11%)
Oral suspension
- Fever (6-45%)
- Nausea (9-38%)
- Hypokalemia (30%)
- Thrombocytopenia (29%)
- Vomiting (7-29%)
- Headache (8-28%)
- Abdominal pain (5-27%)
- Coughing (3-25%)
- Anemia (2-25%)
- Neutropenia (4-23%)
- Constipation (21%)
- Dyspnea (1-20%)
- Rigors (<20%)
- Anorexia (2-19%)
- Rash (3-19%)
- Hypomagnesemia (18%)
- Hypertension (18%)
- ALT increased, Grade 3 or 4 (6-17%)
- AST >3x ULN (6-17%)
- Fatigue (2-17%)
- Insomnia (1-17%)
- Musculoskeletal pain (16%)
- Edema legs (15%)
- Epistaxis (14%)
- Hypotension (14%)
- Decrease weight (1-14%)
- Tachycardia (12%)
- Pharyngitis (12%)
- Oral candidiasis (<12%)
- Hyperglycemia (11%)
- Pruritus (11%)
- Petechiae (11%)
- Dizziness (11%)
- Arthralgia (11%)
- Herpes simplex (3-11%)
- ALT >3x ULN (3-11%)
- Pain (1-11%)
- Dehydration (1-11%)
Tablets
- Diarrhea (29%)
- Pyrexia (28%)
- Nausea (27%)
- Hypokalemia (22%)
- Cough (17%)
- Rash (16%)
- Peripheral edema (16%)
- Epistaxis (14%)
- Headache (14%)
- Mucosal inflammation (14%)
- Thrombocytopenia (14%)
- Vomiting (13%)
- Alkaline phosphatase >3x ULN (3-13%)
- Abdominal pain (11%)
- Hypertension 23 (11%)
1-10%
Injection
- Petechiae (8-10%)
- Anemia (7-10%)
- Dyspnea (7-10%)
Tablets
- Anemia (10%)
- Constipation (10%)
- Asthenia (10%)
- Chills (10%)
- Hypomagnesemia (10%)
Oral suspension
- Back pain (10%)
- Bilirubinemia (10%)
- Vaginal hemorrhage (10%)
- Dyspepsia (10%)
- Pneumonia (3-10%)
- Sweating increased (2-10%)
- Edema (9%)
- Hypocalcemia (9%)
- Bilirubin increased, Grade 3 or 4 (7-9%)
- Weakness (8%)
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome (<5%)
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (<5%)
- Neutropenia aggravated (<5%)
- Adrenal insufficiency (<5%)
- Paresthesia (<5%)
- Allergic reaction (<5%)
- Torsades de pointes (<5%)
- Pulmonary embolism (<5%)
- Pancreatitis (<5%)
- Bilirubinemia (<5%)
- Hepatic enzymes increased (<5%)
- Hepatic function abnormal (<5%)
- Hepatitis (<5%)
- Hepatomegaly (<5%)
- Jaundice (<5%)
- AST/ALT increased (<5%)
- Hypokalemia (<5%)
- Thrombocytopenia (<5%)
- Renal failure acute (<5%)
- Total bilirubin > 1.5x ULN (3-5%)
- AST, Grade 3 or 4 (3-4%)
- Alkaline phosphatase, Grade 3 or 4 (1-3%)
Postmarketing Reports
Pseudoaldosteronism
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to posaconazole or other azoles
Coadministration with sirolimus; increases sirolimus blood concentrations by ~9-fold
CYP3A4 substrates that prolong the QT interval (eg, pimozide, quinidine)
Coadministration with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) that are primarily metabolized through CYP3A4 (eg, atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin)
Concurrent use with ergot alkaloids
Coadministration with venetoclax in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)
Use of delayed-release oral suspension in patients with known or suspected hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI)
Delayed-release oral suspension only
- Patients with known or suspected hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI)
Cautions
May prolong QT interval; cases of torsades de pointes reported
Hepatic reactions reported including mild-to-moderate elevations in ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and clinical hepatitis; consider discontinuing therapy in patients who develop abnormal LFTs or monitor LFTs during treatment
Closely monitor patients with severe renal impairment for breakthrough fungal infections due to the variability in exposure of the delayed-release tablets and oral suspension; avoid use of injection in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment (eGFR <50 mL/min); unless benefit outweighs risks
Electrolyte disturbances, especially those involving potassium, magnesium or calcium levels, should be monitored and corrected as necessary before and during posaconazole therapy
Closely monitor patients who have severe diarrhea or vomiting for breakthrough fungal infections when receiving delayed-release tablets, oral suspension, or delayed-release oral suspension
Use of delayed-release oral suspension in patients with HFI
- Delayed-release oral suspension contains sorbitol, an inactive ingredient, and may precipitate a metabolic crisis that may include, but is not limited to life-threatening hypoglycemia, hypophosphatemia, lactic acidosis, and hepatic failure in patients with HFI
- Review patient history of HFI symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain) with sorbitol/fructose/sucrose exposure before using the delayed-release oral suspension
- Diagnosis of HFI may not yet be established in pediatric patients
Drug interactions overview
Posaconazole is a P-gp substrate and a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor; metabolized by UDP-glucuronidase
-
Rifabutin and phenytoin
- Avoid unless benefit outweighs risks
- Rifabutin and phenytoin may decrease posaconazole plasma concentrations by inducing UDP-glucuronidase
- Posaconazole may also increase rifabutin and phenytoin levels by inhibiting CYP3A4
-
Antiretroviral agents
- Efavirenz may induce UDP-glucuronidase and significantly decrease posaconazole plasma levels; avoid use
- Ritonavir and atazanavir are CYP3A4 substrates; posaconazole may increase plasma concentrations of these drugs; closely monitor for posaconazole-related toxicities if concurrently used
- Fosamprenavir may decrease posaconazole plasma concentration; closely monitor for breakthrough fungal infections
-
Benzodiazepines metabolized by CYP3A4
- Closely monitor
- Coadministration with midazolam increases midazolam plasma concentrations by ~5-fold; increased risk of prolonged hypnotic and sedative effects
-
CYP3A4 substrates that cause QT prolongation
- Contraindicated
- Coadministration with CYP3A4 substrates may result in increased plasma concentrations of these drugs, leading to QTc prolongation and cases of torsades de pointes
-
Immunosuppressants metabolized by CYP3A4
- Coadministration posaconazole with calcineurin inhibitors (eg, sirolimus, tacrolimus, cyclosporine) increases blood concentrations pf calcineurin inhibitors
- Sirolimus: Contraindicated
- Tacrolimus: Reduce tacrolimus dose to ~1/3 of original dose when initiating posaconazole; closely monitor tacrolimus trough concentrations during and at discontinuation of posaconazole treatment and adjust tacrolimus dose accordingly
- Cyclosporine: Reduce cyclosporine dose to ~ 3/4 of original dose when initiating cyclosporine; closely monitor tacrolimus trough concentrations during and at discontinuation of posaconazole treatment and adjust tacrolimus dose accordingly
-
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors primarily metabolized through CYP3A4
- Contraindicated
- May increase plasma concentrations of simvastatin by ~10-fold
-
Ergot alkaloids
- Contraindicated
- May increase the plasma concentrations of ergot alkaloids which may lead to ergotism
-
Cimetidine and esomeprazole
- Oral suspension: Cimetidine (an H2-receptor antagonist) and esomeprazole (a proton pump inhibitor) decreased posaconazole plasma concentrations; avoid use of cimetidine and esomeprazole unless the benefit outweighs the risks
-
Vinca alkaloids
- Use with vinca alkaloids (eg, vinblastine, vincristine) may increase the plasma concentrations of vinca alkaloids and risks of neurotoxicity and other serious adverse reactions
- Reserve azole antifungals for patients receiving a vinca alkaloid, including vincristine, who have no alternative antifungal treatment options
-
Calcium channel blockers
- May increase the plasma concentrations of calcium channel blockers metabolized by CYP3A4 (eg, verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine, nicardipine, felodipine)
- Closely monitor for adverse reactions and toxicity related to calcium channel blockers; consider dose reduction of calcium channel blockers
-
Digoxin
- Increased plasma concentrations of digoxin reported in patients receiving digoxin and posaconazole; closely monitor digoxin levels
-
Venetoclax toxicity
- Concomitant administration of Noxafil, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, with venetoclax may increase venetoclax toxicities, including the risk of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), neutropenia, and serious infections; in patients with CLL/SLL, administration of Noxafil during initiation and the ramp-up phase of venetoclax is contraindicated; refer to the venetoclax labeling for safety monitoring and dose reduction in the steady daily dosing phase in CLL/SLL patients
- For patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), dose reduction and safety monitoring are recommended across all dosing phases when coadministering Noxafil with venetoclax; refer to the venetoclax prescribing information for dosing instructions
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
Available data in pregnant women are insufficient to establish a drug- associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes; based on findings from animal data, therapy may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women
Animal data
- Skeletal malformations (cranial malformations and missing ribs) and maternal toxicity (reduced food consumption and reduced body weight gain) observed when dosed orally to pregnant rats; during organogenesis at doses greater than or equal to 1.4 times the 400 mg twice daily oral suspension regimen recommended in humans; in pregnant rabbits dosed orally during organogenesis, increased resorptions, reduced litter size, and reduced body weight gain of females were seen at doses 5 times the exposure achieved with the 400 mg twice daily oral suspension regimen; doses of ≥3 times the clinical exposure caused an increase in resorptions in these rabbits; based on animal data, advise pregnant women of potential risk to a fetus
Lactation
There are no data on presence of drug in human milk, effects on breastfed infant, or on milk production; drug is excreted in milk of lactating rats; when a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk; developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with mother’s clinical need for drug and any potential adverse effects on breastfed child from drug or from underlying maternal condition
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits fungal cell membrane sterol biosynthesis
Absorption
Increased by food
Peak plasma time: 3-5 hr (oral susp); 3-4 hr (tablet); 1.5 hr (IV)
Peak plasma concentration: 1590 ng/mL (IV)
Distribution
Protein bound: >98%
Vd: 287 L (oral); 261 L (IV)
Metabolism
Metabolized primarily by glucuronide conjugates
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitor
Elimination
Half-life: 35 hr (oral susp); 26-31 hr (tablet); 24.6 hr (IV)
Total body clearance: 51.2 L/hr (oral susp); 9.39 L/hr (tablet); 7.3 L/hr (IV)
Excretion: 71% feces; 13% urine
Administration
IV Incompatibilities
Lactated ringer (LR)
Dextrose 5% (D5W) with LR
4.2% sodium bicarbonate
IV Compatibility
IV solutions
- 0.45% NaCl
- 0.9% NaCl
- D5W
- D5W 0.45% NaCl
- D5W 0.9% NaCl
- D5W and 20 mEq potassium chloride
Y-site administration
-
Drugs
- Amikacin
- Caspofungin
- Ciprofloxacin
- Daptomycin
- Dobutamine
- Famotidine
- Gentamicin
- Hydromorphone
- Levofloxacin
- Lorazepam
- Meropenem
- Micafungin
- Morphine
- Norepinephrine
- Potassium chloride
- Vancomycin
IV Preparation
Equilibrate refrigerated vial to room temperature
Aseptically transfer 16.7 mL (300 mg) of solution to an IV bag/bottle containing ~150 mL of a compatible admixture diluent; final concentration of diluted IV bag is 1-2 mg/mL
Use of other infusion solutions may result in particulate formation
Injection is a single dose sterile solution without preservatives; once admixed, use product immediately; if not used immediately, refrigerate for up to 24 hours at 2-8ºC (36-46ºF)
Visually inspect product for particulate matter prior to administration; diluted solution ranges from colorless to yellow
IV Administration
IV infusion only; not for IV bolus injection
Administer through a 0.22 micron polyethersulfone (PES) or polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) filter
Administer via a central venous line, including a central venous catheter or peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), by slow IV infusion over ~90 minutes
If a central venous catheter is not available, may administer through a peripheral venous catheter by slow IV infusion over 30 minutes only as a single dose in advance of central venous line placement or to bridge the period during which a central venous line is replaced or is in use for other IV treatment
When multiple dosing required, infusion should be done via central venous line
Oral Preparation
Oral suspension H4
- Shake well before use
- Administer with measured dosing spoon (marked doses of 2.5 mL and 5 mL)
- Rinse spoon with water after each administration and before storage
- Administer each dose during or immediately (ie, within 20 min) following a full meal to enhance absorption of the oral suspension
Delayed-release oral suspension
- Do not open packet in kit until ready to prepare
- Remove 9 mL of mixing liquid using the provided BLUE syringe
- ONLY use the mixing liquid in the kit to prepare delayed-release oral suspension
- Using the provided mixing cup, combine 9 mL of mixing liquid and the entire contents of one packet in the kit and mix
- Each single-use packet in the kit contains 300 mg of posaconazole to be suspended in 9 mL of mixing liquid giving a final concentration of ~30 mg/mL
- Shake mixing cup vigorously for 45 sec to mix powder and mixing liquid from kit; check to make sure the powder is mixed; mixture should look cloudy and free of clumps
- Reconstituted suspension must be used within 1 hr; discard unused portion of the prepared drug product
Oral Administration
Tablets and oral suspension are not interchangeable because of differences in dosing for each formulation
Tablets
- Take with food
- Swallow tablets whole; do not divide, crush, or chew
Oral suspension
- Take with a full meal or liquid nutritional supplement or an acidic carbonated beverage (eg, ginger ale) in patients unable to eat a full meal
- If unable to eat a full meal or tolerate an oral nutritional supplement or an acidic carbonated beverage and who do not have the option of taking delayed-release tablets or injection, consider an alternative antifungal therapy or closely monitor for breakthrough fungal infections
Delayed-release oral suspension
- Take with food
- Use 3-mL syringe (green) for doses ≤3 mL
- Use 10-mL syringe (blue) for doses >3 mL
- Administer dose orally within 1 r of mixing
- Not all the mixture in the mixing cup will be used
- Maximum dose that can be accurately withdrawn from mixing cup after reconstitution is 240 mg (8 mL)
- To ensure delivery of the correct dose, ONLY provided notched tip syringes must be used for preparation and administration
- Discard any remaining suspension; mixing cup and notched tip syringes may be hand washed and reused
- Alternatively, mixing cup may be discarded, and a similar mixing cup with a lid may be used for subsequent doses
- For additional supply, a separate box of notched tip syringes is provided with the kit
Missed dose
- >12 hr of next dose: Take as soon as possible
- <12 hr of next dose: Skip missed dose; go back to regular schedule; do not double dose
Storage
Unopened vials: Refrigerate at 2-8ºC (36-46ºF)
Tablets
- Store at 20-25ºC (36-46ºF), excursions permitted to 15-30ºC (59-86ºF)
Oral suspension
- Store at 25ºC (36-46ºF), excursions permitted to 15-30ºC (59-86ºF)
- Do not freeze
Delayed-release oral suspension
- Store entire kit at 20-25ºC (36-46ºF), excursions permitted to 15-30ºC (59-86ºF) in a clean, dry place
- Do not open foil packet containing delayed-release oral suspension until ready for use
- Once mixed, use within 1 hr; discard any unused drug
Diluted solution
- Vial is a single dose sterile solution without preservatives; once admixed, use immediately
- If not used immediately, refrigerate for up to 24 hr at 2-8ºC (36-46ºF)
Images
BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
---|---|---|---|
posaconazole oral - | 100 mg tablet | ![]() | |
posaconazole oral - | 100 mg tablet | ![]() | |
Noxafil oral - | 100 mg tablet | ![]() | |
Noxafil oral - | 200 mg/5 mL (40 mg/mL) suspension | ![]() | |
Noxafil intravenous - | 300 mg/16.7 mL vial | ![]() |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
posaconazole oral
POSACONAZOLE DELAYED-RELEASE - ORAL
(POE-sa-KON-a-zole)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Noxafil
USES: Posaconazole is used to prevent certain fungal infections in patients who have severely weakened immune systems (such as patients who have had chemotherapy). It belongs to a class of drugs known as azole antifungals. It works by stopping the growth of fungi.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking posaconazole and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Do not crush or chew delayed-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Swallow the whole tablet without crushing or chewing.The length of treatment is based on your medical condition.This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Take this drug at evenly spaced intervals.The tablet and suspension forms of posaconazole may deliver different amounts of medication. Do not switch between the different forms of this medication without your doctor's permission and directions.Tell your doctor if you have severe diarrhea or vomiting. Posaconazole may not work as well.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or stomach upset may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: unusual tiredness, easy bruising/bleeding, weakness, muscle cramps, mental/mood changes, swelling of the ankles/feet, signs of infection (such as chills, fever), vaginal bleeding, shortness of breath, increased thirst/urination.Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.Posaconazole has rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver disease, including: nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.Posaconazole can commonly cause a mild rash that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. Get medical help right away if you develop any rash.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking posaconazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease.Posaconazole may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using posaconazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using posaconazole safely.This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Alcohol may also increase the risk of serious liver problems.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Other medications can affect the removal of posaconazole from your body, which may affect how posaconazole works. Examples include efavirenz, rifamycins (such as rifabutin), certain drugs used to treat seizures (such as phenytoin), among others.This drug can slow down the removal of other drugs from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of affected drugs include certain alpha blockers (such as alfuzosin, silodosin, tamsulosin), certain benzodiazepines (such as midazolam), dronedarone, ergot alkaloids (such as ergotamine, dihydroergotamine), pimozide, quinidine, rivaroxaban, sirolimus, certain "statin" drugs (such as lovastatin, simvastatin), venetoclax, among others.Many drugs besides posaconazole may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including pacritinib, among others.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later to prevent another infection unless your doctor tells you to.Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver function, blood mineral levels such as calcium, magnesium, potassium) should be done before you start using this medication and while you are using it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 12 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised June 2022. Copyright(c) 2022 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.
Adding plans allows you to:
- View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
- Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
- Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
- Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.