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Overview: Cresemba (isavuconazonium) is used to treat serious infections caused by a fungus. It works by stopping the fungus from growing. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. Serious side effects are rare, but can include liver damage and skin reactions. Notify your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash.

Uses

What is Cresemba used for?

Cresemba (isavuconazonium) is commonly used to treat certain serious fungal infections, such as mucormycosis and aspergillosis. 

Cresemba may not be appropriate for some fungal infections, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Fungi in some locations may have developed resistance to Cresemba, which will make it not work as well.

Cresemba may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Cresemba work (mechanism of action)?

Cresemba works by stopping the growth of the fungus causing the infection.

How is Cresemba supplied (dosage forms)?

Brand and other names

  • Cresemba

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 74.5 mg oral capsules
  • 186 mg oral capsules

Cresemba is also available in injectable forms.

How should I store Cresemba?

Oral Capsule. Cresemba capsules should be stored in the original package at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture. Do not remove the capsule from its packaging until you are ready to take it.

Injection Liquid. Cresemba injection is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Cresemba?

The most common side effects of Cresemba are listed below. Side effects can vary based on age. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or constipation
  • Headache
  • Liver damage (see below)
  • Low potassium level
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough
  • Fluid retention in the arms and legs
  • Back pain
  • Rash
  • Itching

There may be other side effects of Cresemba that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Cresemba?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Cresemba are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Cresemba may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Cresemba and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using Cresemba. This can be serious or life-threatening. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Severe Skin Reactions. Cresemba can cause severe skin reactions, called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop Cresemba and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes

Infusion Reactions. Infusion reactions may occur in people receiving Cresemba injection. If this happens, the infusion will be stopped right away. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms while receiving Cresemba injection.

  • Trouble breathing
  • Chills
  • Dizziness
  • Numbness, tingling, or changes in your sense of touch 

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Cresemba?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Cresemba.

  • Cresemba
  • Isavuconazonium
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Cresemba.

Drug Interactions. Cresemba should not be used while you are using certain other medicines. Before using Cresemba, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Familial Short QT Syndrome. Cresemba should not be used if you have a rare genetic heart rhythm condition known as short QT syndrome.

What should I know about Cresemba before using it?

Do not use Cresemba unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Cresemba with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Cresemba out of the reach of children.

Do not stop using Cresemba unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

Do not chew, crush, dissolve, or open Cresemba capsules. They should be swallowed whole.

Cresemba capsules are stored in blister packs that have two pockets. One pocket has the medicine. The other pocket has a desiccant to protect the medicine from moisture. Do not swallow the desiccant. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to take Cresemba.

Keep all appointments, including appointments for bloodwork, before and during your treatment with Cresemba.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Cresemba?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Cresemba is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Liver problems
  • History of heart rate or rhythm problems
  • Past allergic reaction to an antifungal medicine, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, or voriconazole

Pregnancy. Cresemba may cause harm to an unborn baby. You should use effective birth control while using Cresemba and for 28 days after your last dose. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your healthcare provider about your birth control options.

Breastfeeding. Cresemba passes into breast milk and may harm the baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Cresemba while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Cresemba?

For more information about Cresemba, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.cresemba.com or call them at 800-727-7003.

Interactions

Does Cresemba interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Cresemba and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Cresemba, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection. 

Does Cresemba interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Cresemba.

  • Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), tacrolimus (Prograf and others), sirolimus (Rapamune), or mycophenolate mofetil, which is a medicine to suppress your immune system
  • Rifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Ketoconazole, which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • Ritonavir or lopinavir/ritonavir, which is a medicine that may be used for HIV or AIDS
  • A statin, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor and others), which is a medicine to lower cholesterol
  • A benzodiazepine, such as midazolam, which is a medicine used for anxiety, muscle spasms, or seizures
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
  • Bupropion, which is a medicine that may be used for depression or to help stop smoking
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • Vincristine, which is a chemotherapy medicine used to treat certain cancers
  • A barbiturate, such as phenobarbital, butalbital, or primidone which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
  • St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Cresemba, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Cresemba. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Cresemba?

If you or someone else has used too much Cresemba, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Cresemba?

It is important to complete your prescribed course of Cresemba, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to Cresemba or other similar medicines.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.