Isavuconazole intravenous for adults

Who can administer

May be administered by registered competent doctor or nurse

Important information

  • Reserve antimicrobial: Restricted for indications in the antimicrobial prescribing guidelines, or following approval by microbiology/infectious diseases
  • Isavuconazole is usually administered as six loading doses followed by a less frequent maintenance dose. Double check the correct dose is prescribed
  • QT-interval shortening possible - refer to SPC
  • There are numerous important interactions - check BNF or current SPC
  • Consider intravenous to oral switch as soon as possible as excellent bioavailability (98%)
  • See under Monitoring re Infusion related reactions

Available preparations

Cresemba 200mg vial

Reconstitution

Water for injections

  • Add 5ml water for injections to each 200mg vial
  • Dilute further prior to administration

Infusion fluids

Sodium chloride 0.9% or Glucose 5%

Methods of intravenous administration

Important: Low pH- Consider using largest vein possible and monitor patient closely for phlebitis/extravasation (ref 2)

Intermittent Intravenous infusion

  • Add 200mg to 250ml infusion fluid
  • The diluted solution should be mixed gently, or the bag should be rolled to minimise the formation of particulates. Unnecessary vibration or vigorous shaking of the solution should be avoided
  • Administer using an in-line filter (0.2µm to 1.2µm) made of polyether sulfone (PES) (eg Braun filter 0.2µm 0409 9303)
  • Administer over at least 60 minutes

Dose in adults

Loading dose

  • Give 200mg every 8 hours for the first 48 hours (ie. six loading doses)

Maintenance dose

  • Give 200mg every 24 hours, beginning 12 to 24 hours after the last loading dose
  • Duration of therapy should be determined by the clinical response
  • For long-term treatment beyond 6 months, the benefit-risk balance should be carefully considered

Renal impairment

  • No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with renal impairment, including patients with end-stage renal disease

Hepatic impairment

  • No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Classes A/B)
  • Isavuconazole has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Use in these patients is not recommended unless the potential benefit is considered to outweigh the risks

Monitoring

  • Elevated liver transaminases have been reported in clinical studies of isavuconazole. Elevations in liver transaminases rarely require discontinuation of isavuconazole. Monitoring of hepatic enzymes should be considered, as clinically indicated
  • Infusion related reaction include hypotension, dizziness, dypsnoea, parasthesia, nausea and headache. Severe cutaneous reactions have also been reported. Stop infusion if this occurs.

Storage

Store in a refrigerator 2-80C

References

(1) SPC 04/2021

(2) Medusa guideline on isavuconazole 9th Nov 2021

Therapeutic classification

Antifungal agent