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Introduction About CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION
CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION 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.
CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION should be used under medical supervision. Do not stop therapy with CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION or skip doses without consulting your doctor as it might reduce the effectiveness of this medicine and makes it difficult for faster recovery.
Before receiving CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION 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 receiving CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION 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 200MG INJECTION
Used in the management of fungal infections such as:
- invasive aspergillosis
- mucormycosis
How CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION Works
CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION 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 200MG INJECTION
CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION will be given to you only by a doctor or a nurse into the vein as intravenous infusion. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of the therapy based on your age, body weight, and health condition. Do not stop receiving CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION 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 200MG INJECTION
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
Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects after receiving CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION:
- 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 requiredIt is not known whether CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION could affect the unborn baby. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless considered necessary.
Breastfeeding
ContraindicatedDo not take CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION if you are breastfeeding. Consult your doctor for advice.
Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionDo not drive or handle any heavy tools or machines if your ability is affected by CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION.
Allergy
ContraindicatedDo not take CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION if you are allergic to Isavuconazole and azole antifungal agents.
Heart Disease
ContraindicatedCRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION is not recommended for use in patients with familial short QT syndrome. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice.
Use In Pediatrics
ContraindicatedCRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION 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 CautionCRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION 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:
CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION will be given to you only by a doctor or a nurse in a hospital. Therefore, it is unlikely to receive an overdose. However, signs 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 200MG INJECTION out of reach of children
- Store CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION in a refrigerator (2-8°C)
FAQs About CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION
Q: What is CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION used for?
A: CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION 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 200MG INJECTION works?
A: CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION 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 200MG INJECTION?
A: CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION will be given to you only by a doctor or a nurse into the vein as intravenous infusion. Do not stop receiving CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION 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 200MG INJECTION safe?
A: CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION 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 200MG INJECTION?
A: You must take CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION 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 receiving CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION?
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 receiving 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 200MG INJECTION be used in children?
A: CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION 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 200MG INJECTION be used during pregnancy?
A: It is not known whether CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION could affect the unborn baby. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless considered necessary.
Q: Can I stop receiving CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION once I feel better?
A: Do not stop receiving CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION 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 receiving CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION?
A: The most common side effects of receiving CRESEMBA 200MG INJECTION 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)








