This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Isavuconazole was first approved by the U.S. FDA on March 6, 2015.

Mechanism of Action of undefined

Isavuconazole produces fungicidal action by disrupting the biosynthesis of ergosterol. Ergosterol is an essential component of the fungal cell membrane. Disruption of ergosterol leads to reduced structural integrity, cell membrane function and causes inhibition of fugal growth and replication, thereby causing cell death.

Uses of undefined

Isavuconazole is an azole antifungal medication used to treat Invasive Aspergillosis and Invasive Mucormycosis.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Isavuconazole is to be administered as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It is administered by two ways.

Isavuconazole capsule is administered either orally with or without food. Isavuconazole injection is administered as an infusion into the vein. 

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Stop using Isavuconazole and inform your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction like wheezing suddenly, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips, mouth or tongue, feeling severe itching, feeling dizzy or fainting, sweating, rapid heartbeat or pounding in the chest.

Precautions

  • Inform your doctor about any medications you are using before starting treatment with Isavuconazole.
  • If you have any liver disease, inform your doctor before starting treatment with this medication. 
  • Isavuconazole is not to be used in children and adolescents younger than 18 years.
  • Isavuconazole may be harmful during pregnancy. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or think that you might be pregnant unless prescribed to you by your doctor.
  • Isavuconazole may be unsafe during breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while taking this medication unless prescribed by your doctor.
  • Isavuconazole is unsafe during driving and while operating machine as it can cause confusion, fatigue, and sleepiness. You might also pass out.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, decreased appetite, low potassium level in blood, hallucinations, drowsiness, shortness of breath, sudden difficulty in breathing, inflamed veins causing blood clots, rash, itching, chest pain, fatigue, problem at the injection site are some common side effects of Isavuconazole. 

Hypersensitivity (rash, swelling on the lips, tongue, mouth), blisters around the mouth, eye, skin or genitals are some serious side effects that are commonly seen with the use of Isavuconazole.

Word Of Advice

Do not use Isavuconazole unless prescribed by your doctor. You will have to do frequent blood tests to monitor your liver function. 

Frequently Asked Question

References

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2015/207500Orig1207501Orig1s000TOC.cfm (Accessed on 27/07/2022)

https://www.drugs.com/history/cresemba.html (Accessed on 27/07/2022)

https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB11633 (Accessed on 27/07/2022)

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Isavuconazole#section=Related-Compounds(Accessed on 27/07/2022)

https://www.cresemba.com/frequently-asked-questions (Accessed on 27/07/2022)

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/207500orig1s000lbl.pdf (revised date 03/2015) (Accessed on 27/07/2022)

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5069.pdf (Revised on 10/2021) (accessed on 27/07/2022)

https://www.drugs.com/cresemba.html (Accessed on 27/07/2022)

https://www.cresemba.com/dosing-administration (Accessed on 27/07/2022)

https://www.mrmed.in/medicines/cresemba-200mg-injection (Accessed on 27/07/2022)