Noxafil concentrated injection (Posaconazole)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Noxafil concentrated injection Used For?
Noxafil contains posaconazole, an antifungal medicine that kills or stops the growth of fungi that cause infections. It’s specifically designed for serious fungal infections in patients with weakened immune systems.
Primary Uses
Noxafil treats invasive aspergillosis (caused by aspergillus fungus), fusariosis, zygomycosis, chromoblastomycosis, mycetoma, and coccidioidomycosis. It’s also used to prevent fungal infections like yeasts and molds in high-risk patients. Treatment is usually reserved for patients who don’t respond to or can’t tolerate other antifungal medicines.
How It Works
As a triazole antifungal, posaconazole works by killing fungi or stopping their growth, helping your body fight off serious fungal infections.
Good to know: This medicine is only for adults 18 years and older and is given under close medical supervision in a hospital setting.
How to Take Noxafil concentrated injection
Noxafil is given as a slow intravenous infusion (IV drip) into your vein by healthcare professionals. The medicine will be properly diluted before administration.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is 300 mg twice daily on the first day, then 300 mg once daily thereafter. Your doctor will determine the exact length of treatment based on your specific infection and response to therapy.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since you’ll receive this medicine under close medical supervision, it’s unlikely a dose would be missed. However, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you think a dose has been forgotten.
Important: This medication is only given in hospital settings by trained healthcare professionals – you cannot self-administer this medicine.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Abnormal skin sensations (numbness, tingling, itching, burning)
- Rash, swelling, redness at injection site
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain or upset
- Gas, dry mouth
- Changes in taste
- Constipation
- Feeling confused or weak
- Dizziness, tiredness, sleepiness
- Headache
- Raised blood pressure with low potassium
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Swelling of face, lips, mouth, throat, or neck causing difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Severe rash, itchiness, hives
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Yellowing of skin or whites of eyes
- Unusually dark urine or pale stools
- Feeling sick for no reason
- Severe stomach problems
- Loss of appetite with unusual tiredness or weakness (signs of liver problems)
Important Warnings
Before receiving Noxafil, it’s crucial to inform your healthcare team about your medical history and current medications to ensure safe treatment.
Who Should Not Take Noxafil concentrated injection
Do not use if you’re allergic to posaconazole, other triazole antifungals, or any ingredients in the medicine. Also avoid if taking terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, quinidine, ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, halofantrine, or statin medications like simvastatin, lovastatin, or atorvastatin.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver problems, heart problems, or abnormal levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium in your blood. You may need blood tests to monitor your kidney or liver function during treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Noxafil should not be used during pregnancy unless specifically indicated by your doctor. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment and for 2 weeks after completion, continuing until their next period. The medicine should not be given to breastfeeding women as it may pass into breast milk.
Liver Problems: Watch for signs of liver problems including yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, nausea, stomach problems, loss of appetite, or unusual tiredness.
Drug Interactions
Noxafil can interact with many medications, either increasing side effects or reducing effectiveness. Always inform your healthcare team about all medicines you’re taking.
- Allergy medicines (terfenadine, astemizole)
- Stomach medicines (cisapride)
- Mental health medicines (pimozide)
- Heart rhythm medicines (quinidine)
- Migraine medicines (ergotamine, dihydroergotamine)
- Malaria medicines (halofantrine)
- Cholesterol medicines (statins like simvastatin, lovastatin, atorvastatin)
- Tuberculosis medicines (rifabutin)
- Seizure medicines (phenytoin)
- HIV medicines (efavirenz, fosamprenavir, protease inhibitors)
- Stomach acid reducers (cimetidine, ranitidine, omeprazole)
- Cancer medicines (vincristine, vinblastine, vinca alkaloids, venetoclax)
- Immune system medicines (cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus)
- Sedatives (midazolam, benzodiazepines)
- Heart medicines (calcium channel blockers, digoxin)
- Diabetes medicines (sulfonylureas like glipizide)
Alcohol & Driving
Noxafil may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Be cautious until you know how the medicine affects you personally.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned in the prescribing information, but discuss alcohol use with your doctor while receiving treatment.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Noxafil may cause dizziness, sleepiness, or blurred vision. Do not drive or use tools or machines until you know how the medicine affects you. If you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor.
Storage
Noxafil concentrated injection is stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C in the pharmacy or hospital ward. Once prepared for use, it should be used immediately or can be stored for up to 24 hours at 2°C to 8°C. The medicine is for single use only and any unused solution must be discarded. Keep away from children.
Overdose Information
Since Noxafil is given under close medical supervision, overdose is unlikely. However, if you think you’ve received too much, seek immediate medical attention. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
The length of treatment depends on the type of infection you have and will be individually adapted by your doctor. Some patients may need treatment for several weeks or months depending on their response to therapy.
No, Noxafil concentrated injection must be given in a hospital setting under close medical supervision. It requires proper dilution and administration as a slow IV infusion by trained healthcare professionals.
No, Noxafil is an antifungal medication and is not addictive. It works by killing or stopping the growth of fungi that cause infections.
Never stop treatment without consulting your doctor. Stopping antifungal treatment too early may allow the infection to return or worsen. Your doctor will determine when it’s safe to discontinue treatment based on your response.
Tell your doctor about all medical conditions, especially kidney, liver, or heart problems, and any issues with potassium, magnesium, or calcium levels. Also inform them about all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements.
The medication is approved for adults 18 years and older, but elderly patients may need closer monitoring. Your doctor will assess the benefits and risks based on your individual health status.
Contact your healthcare team immediately if you experience serious side effects like difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, severe nausea, or signs of liver problems (yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine). For less serious side effects that worry you, speak with your doctor or nurse.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.