atins (e.g. Zocor, Lipitor), medicines used for lowering cholesterol
tacrolimus (e.g. Prograf), a medicine used in patients who have had a liver or kidney transplant
indinavir (e.g. Crixivan) and some other medicines used to treat HIV infection
omeprazole (e.g. Losec), a medicine used to treat indigestion, reflux and stomach or duodenal ulcers
methadone (used to treat heroin addiction)
oral contraceptives (the Pill)
vincristine, vinblastine or vinorelbine, medicines used in treating cancer e.g.Vepesid
strong pain killers such as alfentanil (e.g. Rapifen), fentanyl (e.g. Durogesic, Actiq) and oxycodone (e.g. Endone, Proladone).
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, medicines used to treat pain and inflammation such as ibuprofen and diclofenac (e.g. Nurofen, Voltaren).
These medicines may be affected by VFEND or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicines or you may need to take different medicines.
Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking this medicine.
How to take VFEND
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.
They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
If you do not understand the instructions on the box or bottle, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.
How much to take
Your doctor will tell you how much to take depending on your weight.
Adults
The usual dose of VFEND Tablets in adults weighing greater than 40 kg is 400 mg (two 200 mg tablets twice a day) for the first day and then one 200 mg tablet twice a day.
The usual dose of VFEND Oral Suspension in adults weighing greater than 40 kg is 10 mL twice a day for the first day and then 5 mL twice a day.
In adults weighing less than 40 kg the dose of VFEND Tablets and Oral Suspension is halved.
The usual dose of VFEND IV is 6 mg/kg every 12 hours for the first day. The dose is then adjusted to 3 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg every 12 hours, depending on the type of infection you have.
Children
VFEND should not be given to a child under the age of 2 years.
Your doctor will determine the dose of VFEND required for your child.
Depending on how serious the infection is and how your child reacts to the medicine, your doctor may increase or decrease the dose.
Adolescents (12-16 years of age)
Adolescents aged 12-16 years of age are usually given the same dose as adults.
How to take it
VFEND needs to be taken regularly to be effective.
VFEND Tablets
Take VFEND tablets at least one hour before or one hour after a meal.
Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water.
VFEND Oral Suspension
Take VFEND Oral Suspension at least one hour before or one hour after a meal.
Your pharmacist should advise you how to measure VFEND Oral Suspension using the multi-dosing syringe provided in the pack.
VFEND Oral Suspension should not be mixed with any other medication.
Please see instructions below before using VFEND Oral Suspension.
1. Shake the bottle well before use.
2. Remove cap and insert the tip of the syringe into the adaptor while the bottle is upright.
3. Turn the bottle upside down while holding the syringe in place. Slowly pull back the plunger of the syringe until the required amount of VFEND Oral Suspension is withdrawn from the bottle.
4. If large bubbles can be seen, slowly push the plunger back into the syringe. This will force the medicine back into the bottle. Repeat step 3 again.
5. Turn the bottle back upright a
