Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The
full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine,
speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
This medicine is new or being used differently. Please report side effects. See the
full CMI for further details.
1. Why am I using CRESEMBA?
CRESEMBA contains the active ingredient isavuconazole. CRESEMBA is used to treat fungal
infections such as invasive aspergillosis and invasive mucormycosis. This medicine
works by preventing the growth of the fungal organisms causing your infection.
For more information, see Section
1. Why am I using CRESEMBA? in the full CMI.
2. What should I know before I use CRESEMBA?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to isavuconazole or any of the
ingredients listed at the end of the CMI, or any other similar medicines such as ketoconazole,
fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole or posaconazole.
Do not use CRESEMBA if you are taking any of the medicines listed in section
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Do not take this medicine if you have familial short QT syndrome (Disorder of the
heart).
CRESEMBA should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding, unless indicated by
your doctor. Effective contraception should be used in women of childbearing potential.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines,
or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. For more information,
see Section
2. What should I know before I use CRESEMBA? in the full CMI.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with CRESEMBA and affect how it works.
4. How do I use CRESEMBA?
CRESEMBA is available as capsules for oral use or as an powder for injection. CRESEMBA
capsules should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew, crush,
dissolve or open the capsules. CRESEMBA Powder for Injection must only be given by
a doctor or trained nurse and is prepared prior to injection. More instructions can
be found in Section
4. How do I use CRESEMBA? in the full CMI.
5. What should I know while using CRESEMBA?
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Things you should do
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Remind any doctor or dentist you visit that you are using CRESEMBA.
If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are taking
this medicine.
If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.
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Things you should not do
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Do not stop using this medicine suddenly or lower the dosage without checking with
your doctor.
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Driving or using machines
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This medicine may cause confusion, tiredness and sleepiness in some people. If you
have any of these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that
could be dangerous.
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Looking after your medicine
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Capsules: Keep your capsules in the original pack until it is time to take them and store
in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Powder for injection: This will be stored correctly in the pharmacy or on the hospital ward.
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6. Are there any side effects?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, abdominal pain
and headache. For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects,
see Section
6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
This medicine is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification
of new safety information. You can help by reporting any side effects you may get.
You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems .
Active ingredient(s):
Isavuconazole (isa-vu-con-a-zole)
Full Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet answers some common questions about CRESEMBA. It does not contain all
the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or
pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking
CRESEMBA against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
This medicine is not addictive.
This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.
You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information
or if you have any concerns or questions about using CRESEMBA.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using CRESEMBA?
CRESEMBA contains the active ingredient isavuconazole.
This medicine belongs to a group of medicines called triazole antifungals.
This medicine is used to treat fungal infections such as:
Invasive aspergillosis (as-pur-ji-losis), an infection caused by a fungus called Aspergillus
(as-pur-jilus).
Mucormycosis (mu-cor-mi-cosis), an infection caused by a fungus called Mucorales (mu-cor-alus)
where treatment with amphotericin (am-fo-teri-cin) B is not appropriate.
This medicine works by preventing the growth of the fungal organisms causing your
infection.
2. What should I know before I use CRESEMBA?
Warnings
Do not use CRESEMBA if:
1. You are allergic to isavuconazole, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of
this leaflet.
Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
shortness of breath
wheezing or difficulty breathing
swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
rash, itching or hives on the skin
2. You are allergic to any other similar medicines such as ketoconazole, fluconazole,
itraconazole, voriconazole or posaconazole.
3. You are taking any of the medicine listed in section 3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Do not take this medicine if you have familial short QT syndrome (Disorder of the
heart). It may cause your heart to beat irregularly.
There is not enough information to recommend the use of this medicine for children
under the age of 18 years.
Check with your doctor if you:
have any other medical conditions including:
allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes or any other medicines,
especially antifungal medicines such as itraconazole, fluconazole, posaconazole or
ketoconazole.
heart problems
any problems affecting your liver
any problems affecting your kidneys
take any medicines for any other condition
Your doctor should do blood tests to check your liver before you start and while you
are having treatment with CRESEMBA.
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important
you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information
under Section
6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
CRESEMBA should not be taken during pregnancy, unless indicated by your doctor. Effective contraception should be used in women of childbearing potential. Your doctor
can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
CRESEMBA should not be taken whilst breastfeeding, unless indicated by your doctor. Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy,
supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicine and CRESEMBA should not be taken together. These include:
ketoconazole, a medicine used to treat fungal infections.
ritonavir, a medicine used to treat HIV infection where the dose is greater than 200
mg or more twice a day.
rifabutin, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis.
rifampicin, a medicine used to treat tuberculosis and other infections.
carbamazepine, a medicine used to treat epilepsy.
Long-acting barbiturates such as phenobarbital, medicines used to treat severe insomnia
and seizures.
phenytoin, a medicine used to treat epilepsy.
efavirenz and etravine, medicines used to treat HIV infection.
St. John's Wort, a herbal medicine used to treat depression.
nafcillin, a medicine used to bacterial infections.
Some medicines may interfere with CRESEMBA and affect how it works.
These include:
rufinamide, a medicine used to treat seizures.
aprepitant, a medicine used to treat nausea and vomiting.
prednisone, a steroidal medicine use to treat a variety of conditions.
ciclosporin, sirolimus and tacrolimus, medicines used to prevent organ transplant
rejection or to treat certain problems with the immune system.
digoxin, medicine used to various heart conditions.
colchicine, a medicine used in the treatment of gout.
dabigatran etexilate, a medicine used in the treatment of blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis
and Pulmonary Embolism).
clarithromycin used to treat bacterial infections.
saquinavir, indinavir, nevirapine, fosamprenavir, lopinavir/ritonavir combination
used to treat HIV infection.
alfentanil, fentanyl, used to treat strong pain.
vincristine, vinblastine, used to treat cancer.
mycophenolate mofetil, used in transplant patients.
midazolam, used to treat severe insomnia.
bupropion, used for smoking cessation and to treat depression.
metformin, pioglitazone, a medicine used in the treatment of diabetes.
daunorubicin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, irinotecan, topotecan and mitoxantrone,
medicines used in treating cancer.
imatinib and lapatinib medicine used in the treatment of cancer.
lovastatin, a medicine used in the treatment of high cholesterol (Hypercholesterolaemia).
These medicines may be affected by CRESEMBA or may affect how well it works. You may
need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different medicines.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect CRESEMBA.
4. How do I use CRESEMBA?
Your doctor will decide what dose, how often and how long you will receive it. This
depends on your condition and other factors, such as your weight, age, blood tests,
how well your liver is working and whether or not other medicines are being given
at the same time.
How much to use
Follow the instructions provided and use CRESEMBA until your doctor tells you to stop.
CRESEMBA needs to be taken regularly to be effective.
CRESEMBA 100 mg
CRESEMBA can be taken with or without food.
CRESEMBA capsules should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew,
crush, dissolve or open the capsules.
CRESEMBA Powder for injection
CRESEMBA Powder for Injection will be given to you under close medical supervision.
CRESEMBA Powder for Injection is given as a slow injection into a vein (intravenous
infusion). It must only be given by a doctor or trained nurse. It is a powder which
is prepared appropriately before administration by your pharmacist, nurse or doctor.
When to use CRESEMBA and for how long
Take CRESEMBA capsules at about the same time each day.
Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help with
remembering when to take it.
The length of time you take CRESEMBA will depend on the type of infection you have.
If you have weakened immune system or a difficult infection, you may need to be on
CRESEMBA for longer periods of time (maybe longer than 6 months).
You doctor may switch you from CRESEMBA Powder for Injection to CRESEMBA Capsules
once your condition improves.
Continue taking CRESEMBA for as long as your doctor tells you. Do not stop taking
CRESEMBA because you are feeling better.
If you do not complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, the infection may
not clear completely or your symptoms may return.
If you forget to use CRESEMBA
CRESEMBA capsules should be taken regularly at the same time each day.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next
dose when you are meant to.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your medicine
as you would normally.
If you use too much CRESEMBA
If you think that you have used too much CRESEMBA, you may need urgent medical attention.
You should immediately:
phone the Poisons Information Centre
(by calling
13 11 26), or
contact your doctor, or
go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Symptoms of an overdose may include: headache, feeling dizzy, restless or sleepy,
tingling, reduced sense of touch or sensation in the mouth, problems being aware of
things, hot flushes, anxiety, joint pain, changes in the way things taste, dry mouth,
diarrhoea, vomiting, feeling your heart beat, faster heart rate, being more sensitive
to light.
5. What should I know while using CRESEMBA?
Things you should do
Remind any doctor or dentist you visit that you are using CRESEMBA.
Make sure you follow your doctor's instructions and keep all appointments, including
blood tests.
Your doctor should monitor the function of your liver and kidneys using blood tests.
If you are about to have any blood tests, tell your doctor that you are taking this
medicine.
It may interfere with the results of some tests.
If you are about to be started on any medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacists
who treat you that you are taking CRESEMBA.
If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are taking
this medicine. It may affect other medicines used during surgery.
If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.
Keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked.
Call your doctor straight away if:
the symptoms of your infection do not improve within a few days or if they become
worse.
If you experience the following while having CRESEMBA powder for injection, advise
the doctor or nurse immediately as they may decide to stop the treatment; lightheadedness,
dizziness, nausea, headache, tingling, feel short of breath.
Things you should not do
Do not stop using CRESEMBA or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor.
If you stop taking it suddenly or not complete the course as prescribed by your doctor,
your condition may worsen or your symptoms may return.
Do not take CRESEMBA to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how CRESEMBA
affects you.
This medicine may cause confusion, tiredness and sleepiness in some people.
If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything
else that could be dangerous.
Drinking alcohol
No information available.
Looking after your medicine
CRESEMBA Capsules:
Keep your capsules in the original pack until it is time to take them. If you take
the capsules out of the pack they may not keep well.
Keep your capsules in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Store away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:
in the bathroom or near a sink, or
in the car or on window sills
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
CRESEMBA Powder for Injection
CRESEMBA Powder for Injection will be stored correctly in the pharmacy or on the hospital
ward.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy
for safe disposal.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of
them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any further questions about side effects.
Side effects
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Side effects
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What to do
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Gastrointestinal related problems:
feeling sick (nausea)
being sick (vomiting)
diarrhoea
stomach pain
decreased appetite
feeling bloated (abdominal distension)
indigestion
constipation
changes in taste (dysgeusia)
Aches and pains:
headache
back pain
Heart and related effects:
heartbeat problems - may be too fast or uneven, or extra heart beats – this may show
in your heart tracing (electrocardiogram or ECG)
inflamed veins that could lead to blood clots
Altered mental state:
confusion, agitation and/or disorientation, changes to behavior/mood
depression
difficulty sleeping
fainting or feeling faint, dizziness
sensation of tingling, tickling, or prickling of the skin
feeling of ‘spinning’ or being dizzy (vertigo)
feeling weak, very tired, or sleepy or generally out of sorts (malaise)
Skin and hair effects:
rash, itching
problems with the skin, red or purple spots on the skin
inflamed skin (dermatitis)
hair loss
Changes in body detected in blood tests or other medical exams:
low blood levels of potassium and magnesium
changes in blood tests of liver function
reduced white blood cells - can increase your risk of infection and fever
reduced blood cells - can increase your risk for bleeding or bruising and can make
you feel weak or short of breath or make your skin pale or make infections more likely
low blood sugar levels-sweating, weakness, hunger, dizziness, trembling, headache,
flushing or paleness, numbness, having fast, pounding heart beat
low levels in the blood of a protein called ‘albumin', which may cause water retention,
leading to swelling in some parts of the body
inflammation or enlargement of the liver - may cause yellowing of skin and eyes, pale
colored stool and or dark colored urine
not getting the right nutrition from your diet (malnutrition)
low blood pressure- may cause dizziness, lightheadedness
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Speak to your doctor if you have any of these side effects and they worry you.
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Serious side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you
feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can
report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at
www.tga.gov.au/safety/reporting-problems . By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of
this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop
taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What CRESEMBA contains
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Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
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CRESEMBA capsules:
CRESEMBA Capsules contain 100 mg of isavuconazole (as 186.3 mg isavuconazonium sulfate)
CRESEMBA Powder for Injection:
CRESEMBA Powder for Injection contains 200 mg of isavuconazole (as 372.6 mg isavuconazonium
sulfate)
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Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
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CRESEMBA capsules:
Contain the following other ingredients:
Capsule Contents
magnesium citrate
microcrystalline cellulose
purified talc
colloidal anhydrous silica
stearic acid
Capsule Shell
hypromellose
iron oxide red (E172) (capsule body only)
titanium dioxide (E171)
gellan gum
potassium acetate
disodium edetate
sodium lauryl sulfate
Printing Ink
shellac
propylene glycol
potassium hydroxide
iron oxide black (E172)
CRESEMBA Powder for Injection:
Contains the following other ingredients:
mannitol
sulfuric acid (for pH-adjustment)
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Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What CRESEMBA looks like
CRESEMBA capsules (AUST R 305452):
CRESEMBA Capsules come in one strength, 100 mg
The capsules have a reddish-brown body marked with '100' in black ink and a white
cap marked with "C" in black ink.
CRESEMBA Capsules 100 mg are available in cartons that contain 14 capsules.
Each carton contains 2 aluminium/aluminium blisters pack, with 7 capsules each.
Each capsule pocket is connected to a pocket that contains ‘desiccant’ to protect
the capsule from moisture.
Do not puncture the blister containing the desiccant.
Do not swallow or use the desiccant.
CRESEMBA Powder for Injection (AUST R 305480):
CRESEMBA Powder for Injection comes as a white to yellow powder in a clear glass vial
with a rubber stopper and an aluminium cap with a plastic seal which contains 200
mg isavuconazole.
Who distributes CRESEMBA
CRESEMBA is supplied in Australia by:
Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd
Sydney NSW
Toll Free Number: 1800 675 229
This leaflet was prepared in October 2024.