Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Cresemba.
Abnormal heart rhythms: Cresemba can cause abnormal heart rhythms. Certain medications (e.g., Sotalol, quinidine, thioridazine, Chlorpromazine, Pimozide, moxifloxacin, Mefloquine, pentamidine, arsenic trioxide, probucol, Tacrolimus) can increase the risk of a type of abnormal heart rhythm called QT prolongation, and should not be used in combination with isavuconazole. You are more at risk for this type of abnormal heart rhythm and its complications if you:
- are female
- are older than 65 years of age
- have a family history of sudden cardiac death
- have a history of heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms
- have a slow heart rate
- have congenital QT prolongation
- have Diabetes
- have had a Stroke
- have low potassium, magnesium, or calcium levels
- have nutritional deficiencies
If you have heart disease and abnormal heart rhythms, or are taking certain medications, discuss with your doctor how Cresemba may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cresemba, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Isavuconazole may cause confusion, drowsiness, or dizziness, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how you are affected by Cresemba.
Infusion related problems: You may experience reactions during the infusion of the intravenous formulation of isavuconazole. These can include Low Blood Pressure causing dizziness or feeling faint, tingling sensations, difficulty breathing, nausea, and headache. If you have a reaction during your infusion, tell your doctor, as the infusion may have to be stopped.
Liver function: Isavuconazole may affect liver function. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Cresemba may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cresemba, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Cresemba.
Skin reactions: In rare cases, people have had skin reactions when they have taken Cresemba. If you get a skin rash that worsens, or if you experience skin conditions such as peeling, shedding, or scaling of the skin, or any other unusual skin reaction, contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: Isavuconazole may cause harm to the developing baby if it is taken by a mother while she is pregnant. Women who take isavuconazole should use effective birth control while they are taking it. If you become pregnant while taking Cresemba, contact your doctor immediately. Cresemba should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if isavuconazole passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Cresemba, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Cresemba have not been established for children.
