Cresemba (Isavuconazonium)

Description

Cresemba is prescribed to people who are 6+ years of age and weigh 16+ kg with invasive aspergillosis or invasive mucormycosis, which are certain types of fungal infections.

Cresemba comes in capsules that contain 74.5 mg of isavuconazonium sulfate (equivalent to 40 mg of isavuconazole) or 186 mg of isavuconazonium sulfate (equivalent to 100 mg of isavuconazole). The capsules should be taken by mouth.

Isavuconazonium sulfate is Cresemba’s generic name.

Directions

Cresemba should be taken as directed by the prescribing doctor.

Cresemba capsules should be stored in their original packaging between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Keep out of children’s reach.

Carefully read the information leaflet that is supplied with the Cresemba prescription for further instructions for use.

You may refer any questions or concerns to your or your child’s doctor or pharmacist.

Ingredients

Isavuconazonium sulfate is the active ingredient in Cresemba.

Black iron oxide, colloidal silicon dioxide, disodium edetate, gellan gum, hypromellose, magnesium citrate, microcrystalline cellulose, potassium acetate, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, purified water, red iron oxide, shellac, sodium lauryl sulfate, stearic acid, strong ammonia solution, talc, and titanium dioxide are the inactive ingredients in the 74.5 mg capsules.

Black iron oxide, colloidal silicon dioxide, disodium edetate, gellan gum, hypromellose, magnesium citrate, microcrystalline cellulose, potassium acetate, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, purified water, red iron oxide, shellac, sodium lauryl sulfate, stearic acid, strong ammonia solution, talc, and titanium dioxide are the inactive ingredients in the 186 mg capsules.

Contraindications

Cresemba should not be prescribed to patients who meet any of the following criteria:

• Are allergic to the medication
• Are taking ketoconazole, high-dose ritonavir, or other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors; talk to your doctor if you are unsure whether you take any of these medications
• Are taking rifampin, St. John’s wort, carbamazepine, or other strong CYP3A4 inducers or long-acting barbiturates; talk to your doctor if you are unsure whether you take any of these medications
• Familial short QT syndrome

Cautions

• Prior to you or your child starting Cresemba treatment, the following should be discussed with the prescribing doctor:
• All the medications you or your child takes, including prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and supplements
• Any allergies you or your child has
• Current health problems that you or your child has
• Your or your child’s past medical history
• If you or your child is pregnant or breastfeeding
• Cresemba contains the following warnings and precautions:
• Liver issues
• Anaphylaxis or other serious allergic reactions
• Fetal harm; females of reproductive potential should be advised to use effective contraception while being treated with Cresemba and for 28 days after taking the last dose of treatment
• Women should be advised against breastfeeding while being treated with Cresemba

Side Effects

Cresemba side effects in adults include but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, elevated liver enzymes, low potassium levels in the blood, constipation, shortness of breath, cough, swelling, and back pain.

Cresemba side effects in pediatric patients include but are not limited to diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, elevated liver enzymes, rash, nausea, itching, and headache.

Call a doctor right away if you or your child experiences bothersome or persistent side effects.

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Reference

Cresemba. Northbrook, IL: Astellas Pharma US, Inc.; 2023.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....