Cresemba (Isavuconazole)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Cresemba Used For?
Cresemba is an antifungal medication that treats serious fungal infections in adults and children over 1 year old.
Primary Uses
Cresemba treats invasive aspergillosis (infection caused by Aspergillus fungus) and mucormycosis (infection caused by Mucorales fungus) when amphotericin B treatment is not appropriate.
How It Works
This medicine works by preventing the growth of fungal organisms that cause your infection.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive and is available only with a doctor's prescription.
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How to Take Cresemba
Your doctor will determine the exact dose, frequency, and duration based on your condition, weight, age, blood tests, and liver function.
Dosage Instructions
Capsules should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water – do not chew, crush, dissolve or open them. Can be taken with or without food. Take at the same time each day for best results. Injection form must only be given by a doctor or trained nurse as a slow intravenous infusion.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Continue taking for the full course even if you feel better.
Available Tablet Strengths
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:
- nausea and vomiting
- shortness of breath
- abdominal pain
- headache
- diarrhea
- decreased appetite
- feeling bloated
- indigestion
- constipation
- changes in taste
- back pain
- heartbeat problems (fast, uneven, or extra beats)
- confusion, agitation, mood changes
- depression
- difficulty sleeping
- dizziness or feeling faint
- tingling sensations
- feeling dizzy or spinning (vertigo)
- weakness, tiredness, or sleepiness
- skin rash or itching
- hair loss
- low blood levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium
- changes in liver function tests
- reduced white blood cells
- reduced blood cells
- low blood sugar
- low blood pressure
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reactions (shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, severe skin rash, hives, blisters)
- sudden severe difficulty breathing
- fainting, confusion, seizures
- signs of kidney failure (tiredness, lack of appetite, changes in urination)
- chest pain
Important Warnings
Cresemba has important safety considerations and is not suitable for everyone.
Who Should Not Take Cresemba
Do not use if you are allergic to isavuconazole or similar antifungal medicines (ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole), if you have familial short QT syndrome (heart disorder), or if you are taking certain medications listed in the drug interactions section.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have heart problems, liver problems, kidney problems, or allergies to other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes. Your doctor will monitor your liver and kidney function with blood tests during treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless specifically indicated by your doctor. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
Heart Warning: May cause irregular heartbeat – do not use if you have familial short QT syndrome.
Drug Interactions
Many medications can interact with Cresemba, affecting how it works or increasing side effects.
Important: Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you're taking, including those bought without prescription.
- ketoconazole (antifungal)
- ritonavir (HIV medicine, doses >200mg twice daily)
- rifabutin and rifampicin (tuberculosis medicines)
- carbamazepine and phenytoin (epilepsy medicines)
- phenobarbital (seizure medicine)
- efavirenz and etravine (HIV medicines)
- St. John's Wort (herbal depression treatment)
- nafcillin (antibiotic)
- rufinamide (seizure medicine)
- aprepitant (nausea medicine)
- prednisone (steroid)
- ciclosporin, sirolimus, tacrolimus (transplant medicines)
- digoxin (heart medicine)
- colchicine (gout medicine)
- dabigatran etexilate (blood clot medicine)
- clarithromycin (antibiotic)
- HIV medicines (saquinavir, indinavir, nevirapine, fosamprenavir, lopinavir/ritonavir)
- pain medicines (alfentanil, fentanyl)
- cancer medicines (vincristine, vinblastine, daunorubicin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, irinotecan, topotecan, mitoxantrone, imatinib, lapatinib)
- mycophenolate mofetil (transplant medicine)
- midazolam (insomnia medicine)
- bupropion (smoking cessation/depression)
- diabetes medicines (metformin, pioglitazone)
- lovastatin (cholesterol medicine)
Alcohol & Driving
Cresemba can affect your ability to drive safely and may interact with other substances.
Alcohol
No specific information available about alcohol interactions.
Driving and Operating Machinery
This medicine may cause confusion, tiredness, and sleepiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything dangerous if you experience these symptoms. Children should be careful with activities requiring attention like riding bicycles or climbing.
Storage
Store capsules in original packaging in a cool, dry place below 25°C. Keep away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in bathrooms, cars, or on windowsills. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after expiry date. Injection form will be stored properly in pharmacy or hospital. Take unused medicine to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
If you think you or your child have taken too much Cresemba, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no symptoms. Overdose symptoms may include headache, dizziness, restlessness, sleepiness, tingling, reduced sensation in mouth, awareness problems, hot flushes, anxiety, joint pain, taste changes, dry mouth, diarrhea, vomiting, feeling your heartbeat, faster heart rate, and increased light sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
The length of treatment depends on your type of infection. If you have a weakened immune system or difficult infection, you may need treatment for longer periods, possibly longer than 6 months. Your doctor will monitor your progress.
Yes, Cresemba capsules can be taken with or without food. However, always swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water – do not chew, crush, dissolve or open them.
No, this medicine is not addictive according to the prescribing information.
Do not stop taking Cresemba suddenly or lower the dose without checking with your doctor. If you stop suddenly or don't complete the full course, your condition may worsen or symptoms may return, and the infection may not clear completely.
No specific information is available about alcohol interactions with Cresemba. You should discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor while taking this medication.
If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose when scheduled. Do not take a double dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and return to your normal schedule.
Cresemba can be used in children older than 1 year. There is not enough information to recommend its use for children under 1 year of age. Children should be careful with activities requiring attention like riding bicycles or climbing, as the medicine may cause tiredness or confusion.
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.