Cresemba (Isavuconazole)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Cresemba Used For?
Cresemba contains isavuconazole, an antifungal medicine 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 invasive mucormycosis (infection caused by Mucorales fungus when amphotericin B treatment isn’t suitable).
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 only available with a doctor’s prescription.
How to Take Cresemba
Your doctor will decide your exact dose, frequency, and treatment length based on your condition, weight, age, blood tests, and liver function.
Dosage Instructions
Cresemba capsules (40mg and 100mg) can be taken with or without food. Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water – do not chew, crush, dissolve, or open them. Take at the same time each day for best results. Cresemba Powder for Injection is given as a slow intravenous infusion by a doctor or trained nurse only.
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 Cresemba 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
- back pain
- heartbeat problems (fast, uneven, or extra beats)
- confusion, agitation, mood changes
- difficulty sleeping
- dizziness or fainting
- tingling sensations
- tiredness or weakness
- skin rash or itching
- hair loss
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reactions (shortness of breath, wheezing, face/lip/tongue swelling)
- sudden severe breathing difficulty
- fainting, confusion, seizures
- severe skin reactions (sudden itching, rash, hives, blisters)
- signs of kidney failure (tiredness, loss of appetite, major changes in urination)
- chest pain
Important Warnings
Several important conditions and situations require special attention before taking Cresemba.
Who Should Not Take Cresemba
Do not use if you’re allergic to isavuconazole or similar antifungal medicines (ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole), have familial short QT syndrome (heart disorder), or are taking certain medications that interact dangerously with Cresemba.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have heart problems, liver problems, kidney problems, or allergies to other medicines. Your doctor will monitor your liver and kidney function with blood tests during treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Cresemba 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: This medicine may cause irregular heartbeat. Do not use if you have familial short QT syndrome.
Drug Interactions
Many medications can interact with Cresemba, either preventing you from taking them together or requiring dose adjustments.
Complete List Required: This is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor about ALL medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.
- ketoconazole (antifungal)
- ritonavir (HIV medicine, doses >200mg twice daily)
- rifabutin and rifampicin (tuberculosis medicines)
- carbamazepine and phenytoin (epilepsy medicines)
- long-acting barbiturates like phenobarbital
- efavirenz and etravine (HIV medicines)
- St. John’s Wort (herbal depression treatment)
- nafcillin (antibiotic)
- ciclosporin, sirolimus, tacrolimus (transplant medicines)
- digoxin (heart medicine)
- clarithromycin (antibiotic)
- various HIV medicines (saquinavir, indinavir, nevirapine, others)
- pain medicines (alfentanil, fentanyl)
- cancer medicines (vincristine, vinblastine, daunorubicin, others)
- diabetes medicines (metformin, pioglitazone)
- cholesterol medicine (lovastatin)
Alcohol & Driving
Cresemba can affect your ability to drive safely and perform activities requiring attention.
Alcohol
No specific information about alcohol interactions is provided in the prescribing information.
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 Cresemba capsules in their original pack until use. Keep in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in bathrooms, near sinks, or in cars. Keep away from children. The injection form will be stored properly in the pharmacy or hospital. Do not puncture or swallow the desiccant packets in the blister packs.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention by calling the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contacting your doctor, or going to the nearest emergency department. Overdose symptoms may include headache, dizziness, restlessness, sleepiness, tingling, reduced sensation in the mouth, awareness problems, hot flushes, anxiety, joint pain, taste changes, dry mouth, diarrhea, vomiting, heart palpitations, faster heart rate, and 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 more than 6 months. Your doctor will monitor your progress.
Yes, Cresemba capsules can be taken with or without food. Take them at the same time each day for best results.
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.
The prescribing information does not provide specific guidance about alcohol use with Cresemba. Consult your doctor about alcohol consumption during treatment.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Cresemba can be used in children older than 1 year. There is not enough information to recommend its use in children under 1 year of age. Children should be careful with activities requiring attention while taking this medicine.
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.