Noxafil ^*

A few side effects have been reported as moderately frequent, and some have severe implications. They should be reported immediately to the prescribing medical health provider or pharmacist:

• Changes in the blood, including reduced levels of potassium, decreased platelet counts, low levels of white neutrophils, thrombophlebitis (inflammation of a vein caused by a clot)
• Trouble in breathing

Less severe side effects include muscle pain, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, low levels of energy, decreased appetite, headaches, coughing, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. These should be reported to the doctor or pharmacist if they persist or get worse.

More infrequent side effects are:

• Herpes simplex viral infection
• High blood pressure or a fast heartbeat
• Pneumonia
• For women, bleeding unrelated to the menstrual period
• Backache
• Throat irritation
• Indigestion or constipation
• Itching
• Joint pain
• Excessive sweating
• Chills
• Small reddish-purplish spots anywhere on the skin
• High blood sugar levels
• Intense abdominal pain

These side effects should clear up within a few days. If they persist or get worse, consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Noxafil is prescribed for cases of invasive aspergillus and candida infections in patients who are at high risk of developing these infections due to being severely immunocompromised – for example patients who have been hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients with acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) or having  hematologic malignancies with prolonged neutropenia from chemotherapy. In such cases, the Noxafil oral suspension, tablets or IV may be prescribed.

The duration of the therapy is based on recovery from neutropenia or immunosuppression.