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Introduction About CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE

CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE is used in the management of fungal infections such as invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis in patients for whom amphotericin B is inappropriate. It contains a powerful antifungal agent called Isavuconazole which works by stopping the production of ergosterol, a key component for fungal cell membranes. This action helps in eradication of the susceptible fungi.

Take CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE as advised by your physician. It can be taken with or without food. Do not stop taking CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE or skip doses without consulting your doctor as it might reduce the effectiveness of this medicine and makes it difficult for faster recovery.

Before taking CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE inform your doctor if you are allergic to Isavuconazole or other antifungal medicine. You must also inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have any heart problems.

The most common side effects of taking CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE are low blood potassium levels, low RBC, WBC and platelet counts, dizziness, tiredness, fainting, taste changes, low appetite, indigestion, constipation, reduce sense to touch, tingling sensations or hair loss. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects trouble you.

Uses Of CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE

Used in the management of fungal infections such as:

invasive aspergillosis
mucormycosis

How CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE Works

CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE contains Isavuconazole which is an antifungal medication that works by inhibiting an enzyme called lanosterol 14α-demethylase, which is essential for producing ergosterol, a key component of fungal cell membranes. By blocking this enzyme, Isavuconazole prevents the fungus from creating a stable cell membrane, leading to its death. This action helps in management of fungal infections in the body.

How to use CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE

Take CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. It can be taken with or without food.

Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of the therapy based on your age, body weight, and health condition. Do not stop taking CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE or skip doses without consulting your doctor as it might reduce the effectiveness of this medicine and makes the fungi more resistant to the medicine which makes it difficult for faster recovery.

Side Effects Of CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE

Common

low blood potassium levels
decreased appetite
hallucinations
headache, sleepiness
inflamed veins that could lead to blood clots
sudden breathing difficulties
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
changes in liver function test
skin rashes, itching
kidney problems causing swelling of legs
chest pain, tiredness and sleepiness

Uncommon

Low RBC, WBC and platelet count leading to fever, infection, bleeding and bruising and anemia
low blood sugar levels and low blood pressure
low blood magnesium levels
low albumin levels in the blood
depression, problems in sleeping
fits, dizziness, fainting, vertigo
paraesthesia
altered mental state (encephalopathy)
taste changes
abnormal heartbeat
problems with blood circulation
wheezing
coughing up blood or blood-stained sputum, nose bleeding
indigestion, constipation, bloating
liver inflammation and enlargement
red or purple spots on the skin, inflamed skin
hair loss
back pain
swelling of the extremities

Stop taking CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE and consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

Severe allergic reactions (such as skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face, lips, mouth or tongue, sweating, dizziness or fainting, fast heartbeat, sudden wheezing)
Severe blistering of the skin, mouth, eyes or genitals

How To Manage Side Effects

Dizziness Or Drowsiness

Stay hydrated and avoid sudden movements like standing up quickly, which can worsen the dizziness. Try to move slowly and sit down if you feel lightheaded. Resting with your head elevated can also help. Eating small, balanced meals throughout the day can keep your blood sugar stable, reducing dizziness. Ensure your home is free of tripping hazards and keep a stable object nearby to hold onto if needed. If dizziness persists or worsens, consult your healthcare provider for further guidance.

Nausea And Vomiting

Eat small, frequent meals instead of large ones, and avoid greasy, spicy, or strong-smelling foods. Stay hydrated by sipping clear liquids like water, ginger ale, or herbal teas throughout the day. Ginger, either in tea, candies, or as a supplement, can help reduce nausea. Resting in an upright position after eating can also minimize symptoms. If prescribed by your doctor, take anti-nausea medications as directed. Additionally, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle distractions like listening to music can help manage nausea. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Monitoring required

It is not known whether CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE could affect the unborn baby. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless considered necessary.

Breastfeeding

Contraindicated

Do not take CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE if you are breastfeeding. Consult your doctor for advice.

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

Do not drive or handle any heavy tools or machines if your ability is affected by CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not take CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE if you are allergic to Isavuconazole and azole antifungal agents.

Heart Disease

Contraindicated

CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE is not recommended for use in patients with familial short QT syndrome. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice.

Use In Pediatrics

Contraindicated

CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years) due to lack of safety data. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE should be used with caution in elderly patients. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug Interactions:

Ketoconazole (an antifungal agent)
Anti-TB agents (such as rifampicin, rifabutin)
Sedatives and antiepileptics (such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine)
St John’s wort (a herbal medicine for depression)
Anti-HIV agents (such as high doses of ritonavir, efavirenz, etravirine, saquinavir, fosamprenavir, indinavir, nevirapine, lopinavir/ritonavir combination)
Nafcillin (used for bacterial infections)
Rufinamide (a cardiac medicine)
Aprepitant (a medicine used for nausea and vomiting)
Prednisone (used for rheumatoid arthritis)
Antidiabetic agents (such as pioglitazone, metformin)
Immunosuppressants (such as ciclosporin, tacrolimus, sirolimus, Mycophenolate mofetil)
Anticancer agents (such as cyclophosphamide, vincristine, vinblastine, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, imatinib, irinotecan, lapatinib, mitoxantrone, topotecan)
Digoxin (used for heart failure and arrhythmia)
Colchicine (a medicine used for gout attack)
Dabigatran etexilate (used to stop blood clots)
Clarithromycin (an antibiotic)
Alfentanil, fentanyl (pain killers)
Midazolam (used for severe insomnia and stress)
Bupropion (antidepressant)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally took more capsules of this medicine, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital straight away. Symptoms of overdosage might include headache, dizziness, restlessness, sleepiness, tingling sensation of the skin, reduced sense of touch or sensation in the mouth, hot flushes, anxiety, joint pain, changes in taste, dry mouth, diarrhoea, vomiting, faster or pounding heart rate, light sensitivity.

Synopsis

Drug	:	Isavuconazole
Pharmacological Category	:	Azole Antifungal Agents
Therapeutic Indication	:	Fungal Infections
Dosage Forms	:	Capsule, Injection

More Information

Storage

Keep CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE out of reach of children
Store CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE at room temperature

FAQs About CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE

Q: What is CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE used for?

A: CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE is used in the management of fungal infections such as invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis in patients for whom amphotericin B is inappropriate.

Q: How CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE works?

A: CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE contains Isavuconazole which is an antifungal medication that works by inhibiting an enzyme called lanosterol 14a-demethylase, which is essential for producing ergosterol, a key component of fungal cell membranes. By blocking this enzyme, Isavuconazole prevents the fungus from creating a stable cell membrane, leading to its death. This action helps in management of fungal infections in the body.

Q: How to take CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE?

A: Take CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. It can be taken with or without food. Do not stop taking CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE or skip doses without consulting your doctor as it might reduce the effectiveness of this medicine and makes it difficult for faster recovery.

Q: Is CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE safe?

A: CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE is safe at doses prescribed by the physician. However, it may cause low blood potassium levels, low RBC, WBC and platelet counts, dizziness, tiredness, fainting, taste changes, low appetite, indigestion, constipation, reduce sense to touch, tingling sensations or hair loss in some individuals. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects trouble you.

Q: How long should I take CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE?

A: You must take CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE as long as your doctor prescribed it. Usually, it takes up to 4 to 6 months of duration. However, your therapy duration might increase or decrease based on the severity of the infection.

Q: When will I notice improvement in my condition after taking CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE?

A: The time it takes to notice improvement after starting Isavuconazole can vary depending on the type and severity of the infection. Some people may start to feel better within a few days, but it can take longer for more serious infections. It’s important to continue taking the medication for the full prescribed duration, even if you feel better sooner, to ensure the infection is fully treated. Always consult your doctor if you have concerns about your progress.

Q: Can CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE be used in children?

A: CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years) due to lack of safety data. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice.

Q: Can CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE be used during pregnancy?

A: It is not known whether CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE could affect the unborn baby. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless considered necessary.

Q: Can I stop taking CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE once I feel better?

A: Do not stop taking CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE or skip doses without consulting your doctor as it might reduce the effectiveness of this medicine and makes the fungi more resistant to the medicine which makes it difficult for faster recovery.

Q: What are the common side effects of taking CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE?

A: The most common side effects of taking CRESEMBA 100MG CAPSULE are low blood potassium levels, low RBC, WBC and platelet counts, dizziness, tiredness, fainting, taste changes, low appetite, indigestion, constipation, reduce sense to touch, tingling sensations or hair loss. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects trouble you.

References

1. Clinical research advances of isavuconazole in the treatment of invasive fungal diseases. National Center for Biotechnology Information. National Library of Medicine. PMC. PubMed Central. December 2022. [Accessed on 22nd August 2024] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9751058/

2. NHS Manchester University. Isavuconazole. National Aspergillosis Centre. [Accessed on 22nd August 2024] https://mft.nhs.uk/app/uploads/sites/10/2021/11/Isavuconazole-NAC-PIL.pdf

3. Isavuconazole. Cresemba 100mg Hard Capsules. EMC. UK. [Revised in October 2023]. [Accessed on 22nd August 2024] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5071.pdf

4. Pfizer. Isavuconazole Capsule and Injection. Package insert. [Revised in January 2024]. [Accessed on 22nd August 2024] https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=15034

Useful Diagnostic Tests

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Author Details

Written By Srilekha. R - B.Pharm

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. Nitin Sattiwale - MBBS

Last updated on 23 Aug 2024 | 04:37 PM(IST)