What is Vfend: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Vfend overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Vfend

Generic Names:

  • Voriconazole

Uses:

  • Treats fungal infections.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antifungal

Forms:

  • Liquid, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Vfend used for?

Vfend is used to treat a variety of fungal infections. It is an azole antifungal medication that stops the growth of fungi. Vfend is used to treat candida infections in kidney, abdomen, wounds, bladder wall, or skin.

What form(s) does Vfend come in

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

What are common Vfend doses?

  • Tablet 50MG

  • Tablet 200MG

Common Vfend prescriptions

  • Vfend
    200mg tablet

  • Vfend
    50mg tablet

How to take Vfend

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not refrigerate or freeze the oral liquid. Store it at room temperature and use it within 14 days.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • It is best to take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after a meal.

  • Shake the oral liquid well before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Do not mix the oral liquid with any other medicine, flavored liquid, or syrup.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • It is best to take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after a meal.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not refrigerate or freeze the oral liquid. Store it at room temperature and use it within 14 days.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Shake the oral liquid well before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Do not mix the oral liquid with any other medicine, flavored liquid, or syrup.

Vfend contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to voriconazole or similar medicines, or if you are pregnant.

Vfend warnings

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, or electrolyte imbalance. Tell your doctor if you recently had cancer treatment or a stem cell transplant. Tell your doctor if you have a condition that makes it hard for you to digest sugars or dairy products.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Liver problemsChanges in heart rhythm, including QT prolongationKidney problems, including kidney failurePancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)Serious skin reactions or problems, including skin cancer, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)Bone pain (if used for a long period of time)

  • This medicine may cause changes in vision. Do not drive (especially at night) or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Vfend interactions

  • Do not use this medicine together with astemizole, barbiturates (including phenobarbital), carbamazepine, cisapride, efavirenz, ergot medicines (dihydroergotamine, ergotamine), pimozide, quinidine, rifabutin, rifampin, ritonavir, sirolimus, St John's wort, or terfenadine.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Liver problemsChanges in heart rhythm, such as QT prolongationSerious skin reactionsBone pain (if used for a long period of time)

  • This medicine may cause changes in vision. Do not drive (especially at night) or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Some medicines can affect how voriconazole works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Alfentanil, cyclosporine, everolimus, fentanyl, fluconazole, methadone, omeprazole, oxycodone, phenytoin, tacrolimus, vinblastine, vincristineBirth control pills (including ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone)Blood pressure medicineBlood thinner (including warfarin)Medicine for anxiety or sleeping (including alprazolam, midazolam, triazolam)Medicine to lower cholesterolMedicine to treat HIV or AIDS (including amprenavir, delavirdine, nelfinavir, nevirapine, saquinavir)NSAID pain medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)Oral diabetes medicine (including glipizide, glyburide, tolbutamide)

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Vfend side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash

  • Sudden or severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, lightheadedness

  • Changes in vision, light sensitivity, problems seeing colors

  • Dark urine or pale stools, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Bone pain

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination, cloudy urine