CRESEMBA (Isavuconazonium sulfate) is a prescription medication used to treat specific forms of fungal infections in the blood or body known as “aspergillosis” and “mucormycosis” in adults 18 years of age and older (zygomycosis).
Cresemba comes in oral capsule form and is typically taken once daily. It is suitable for use with or without meals. Cresemba capsules should not be crushed, chewed, dissolved, or opened. Consume the capsules in their whole.
This medication is also available in an injectable form that a healthcare professional can administer directly into a vein (IV).
How does CRESEMBA works?
Cresemba is a member of a class of medications known as azole antifungal agents. It inhibits the manufacturing of a critical component of the fungal cell wall, thus killing the fungus.
Cresemba 100mg Capsule contains Isavuconazole, an antifungal medicine that blocks the activity of an enzyme that aids in the synthesis of ergosterol, a key component of the fungal cell membrane. As a result, the fungus fails to grow and multiply. This kills the infection causing fungus and clears the infection.
Who should not take CRESEMBA?
- If you are allergic to CRESEMBA or any of the components, do not use this product.
- If you have a hereditary condition that impairs the heart’s electrical system (familial short QT syndrome).
- If you are currently using any of the following medications: o ketoconazole, ritonavir at high doses, rifampin, carbamazepine, St. John’s wort (an herbal supplement), barbiturates with a long half-life.
- Consult your healthcare practitioner or pharmacist if you are unsure if you are taking any of these medications or have any of the above-mentioned illnesses.
Indications of CRESEMBA
CRESEMBA is an azole antifungal indicated for use in the treatment of:
- Invasive aspergillosis
- Invasive mucormycosis
Dosase
- CRESEMBA injection must be given over a minimum of one hour using an in-line filter.
- Loading Dose: 372 mg isavuconazonium sulfate (equal to 200 mg isavuconazole) every 8 hours for six doses (48 hours) either orally (2 capsules) or intravenously (1 reconstituted vial).
- Maintenance Dose: 372 mg isavuconazonium sulfate (200 mg isavuconazole) once day either oral treatment (2 capsules) or intravenous administration (1 reconstituted vial) beginning 12 to 24 hours after the last loading dose. Taking capsules with or without food is allowed.
Side effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, elevated liver enzymes, decreased potassium level in blood, constipation, dyspnea, cough, peripheral edema, and back pain are the most prevalent side effects of this medication. Consult your doctor if any of these adverse effects continue or worsen. Cresemba 100mg Capsule may rarely cause significant liver damage. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following signs of liver damage: persistent nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal discomfort, yellowing of the eyes/skin, or dark urine.
Dose adjustment
- Elderly people do not require dose adjustment; however, clinical data with elderly patients is limited.
- Renal impairment: There is no need to alter the dose in individuals with renal impairment, including those with end-stage renal disease.
- Hepatic impairment: In individuals with mild or severe hepatic impairment, no dose change is recommended (Child-Pugh Classes A and B). There has been no research on isavuconazole in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C). It is not suggested for these patients unless the potential benefit is deemed to exceed the dangers.
- Pregnancy: CRESEMBA should only be used if the benefits to the mother outweigh the risk to the fetus. Inform pregnant women of risk
- CRESEMBA’s safety and efficacy in children under the age of 18 years have not been established. There are no statistics available.
