Wifend

Vfend: an antifungal drug for the treatment of severe fungal infections

Vfend (international name - voriconazole) is a powerful antifungal agent used to treat various forms of fungal infections. Vfend is a derivative of imidazole and triazole and is manufactured by two companies - Heinrich Mack Heir in Germany and Pfizer PGM in France.

Vfend is used to treat invasive aspergillosis, severe invasive forms of candidal infections (including Candida krusei), esophageal candidiasis, severe fungal infections caused by Scedosporium spp. and Fusarium spp., as well as for the prevention of breakthrough fungal infections in patients with fever from high-risk groups (recipients of allogeneic bone marrow, patients with relapsed leukemia).

Despite its effectiveness, Vfend has a number of contraindications and side effects. Contraindications include hypersensitivity to the drug, simultaneous use of drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates - terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide and quinidine, simultaneous use of sirolimus, simultaneous use with rifampicin, carbamazepine and long-acting barbiturates, as well as simultaneous use with ritonavir, efavirenz and with ergot alkaloids (ergotamine, dihydroergotamine). Vfend should also not be prescribed to pregnant women, unless the expected benefit to the mother clearly outweighs the possible risk to the fetus.

Side effects of Vfend can be serious and include fever, peripheral edema, chills, asthenia, chest pain, injection site reactions and inflammation, flu-like syndrome, decreased blood pressure, thrombophlebitis, phlebitis, atrial arrhythmias, bradycardia, tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, very rarely - supraventricular tachycardia, complete AV block, bundle branch block, nodal arrhythmias, ventricular tachycardia, prolongation of the QT interval, ventricular fibrillation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, increased activity of ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, GGT and bilirubin level in blood plasma, jaundice, cheilitis, cholestasis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, renal dysfunction, anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, hypertension, headache, dizziness, visual impairment, convulsions, depression, hallucinations, anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, decreased mental response, psychosis, disorientation, change in mental state, hyperactivity, convulsive activity, incoordination, paresthesia, dysgeusia, hypersensitivity, skin rash, itching, angioedema, anaphylactic shock, hypoxia , bradypnea, respiratory failure, arterial hypotension, redness and swelling of the tongue, hyperthermia, urinary dysfunction, erectile dysfunction and many others.

When prescribing Vfend, it is necessary to carefully evaluate the benefits and risks, and also follow all recommendations on dosage and method of administration. All unwanted reactions should be reported to your doctor immediately.