Voriconazole (VFEND)

Following an abbreviated submission.

Voriconazole (VFEND) as a powder for oral suspension (40 mg/ml) is accepted for restricted use in NHS Scotland. As previously stated by SMC (January 2003), voriconazole should be used only in suspected or confirmed cases of invasive aspergillosis; for infections caused by Fusarium spp and Scedosporium spp; or serious invasive candidiasis refractory to fluconazole. It should be administered primarily to immunocompromised patients with progressive, possibly life-threatening infections.

The oral bio-availability of voriconazole is almost complete, allowing patients to be switched between intravenous and oral therapy, and the oral liquid formulation of voriconazole provides an alternative for patients who cannot take tablets. The cost per day is similar to that with tablets, and markedly less than with infusion.