Flucofast

Leaflet accompanying the packaging: patient information

Flucofast, 50 mg, hard capsules

Flucofast, 100 mg, hard capsules

Flucofast, 150 mg, hard capsules

Fluconazole

Read the leaflet carefully before taking the medicine, as it contains important information for the patient.

• Keep this leaflet, so you can read it again if you need to.
• If you have any doubts, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• This medicine has been prescribed specifically for you. Do not pass it on to others. The medicine may harm another person, even if their symptoms are the same.
• If the patient experiences any side effects, including any not listed in this leaflet, they should tell their doctor or pharmacist. See section 4.

Table of contents of the leaflet

• 1. What is Flucofast and what is it used for
• 2. Important information before taking Flucofast
• 3. How to take Flucofast
• 4. Possible side effects
• 5. How to store Flucofast
• 6. Contents of the packaging and other information

1. What is Flucofast and what is it used for

Flucofast belongs to a group of antifungal medicines. The active substance is fluconazole.
Flucofast is used to treat infections caused by pathogenic fungi and can also be used to prevent yeast infections. The most common cause of fungal infections is yeast of the genus Candida.

Adults

The doctor may recommend taking this medicine for the following fungal infections:

• Cryptococcal meningitis - a fungal infection of the brain,
• Coccidioidomycosis - a respiratory system disease,
• Candida yeast infections detected in the blood, internal organs (e.g., heart, lungs), or urinary tract,
• Mucosal candidiasis (thrush) - infection of the mucous membrane of the mouth, throat, and mouth sores associated with the use of dental prostheses,
• Genital candidiasis - vaginal or penile infections,
• Skin fungi - e.g., athlete's foot, body fungus, groin fungus, nail fungus.

Flucofast can also be used to:

• prevent relapses of cryptococcal meningitis,
• prevent relapses of mucosal candidiasis,
• prevent relapses of vaginal candidiasis,
• prevent yeast infections (in patients with a weakened immune system).

Children and adolescents (from 0 to 17 years old)

The doctor may recommend taking this medicine to treat the following fungal infections:

• Mucosal candidiasis (thrush) - infection of the mucous membrane of the mouth or throat,
• Candida yeast infections detected in the blood, internal organs (e.g., heart, lungs), or urinary tract,
• Cryptococcal meningitis - fungal infection of the brain.

Flucofast can also be used to:

• prevent yeast infections (if the patient's immune system is weak and not functioning properly),
• prevent relapses of cryptococcal meningitis.

2. Important information before taking Flucofast

When not to take Flucofast

Warnings and precautions

Before starting to take Flucofast, the patient should discuss it with their doctor or pharmacist if:

• the patient has kidney or liver function disorders,
• the patient has heart disease, including heart rhythm disorders,
• the patient has blood potassium, calcium, or magnesium level disorders,
• the patient has severe skin reactions (itching, redness of the skin, difficulty breathing),
• the patient has ever had a severe skin rash or skin peeling, blisters, and (or) mouth sores after taking Flucofast,
• the patient develops symptoms of "adrenal insufficiency", when the adrenal glands do not produce enough certain steroid hormones, such as cortisol (chronic or prolonged fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain),
• the fungal infection does not improve, other antifungal treatment may be necessary.

In patients treated with Flucofast, there have been cases of severe skin reactions, including drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). If the patient experiences any of the severe skin reaction symptoms described in section 4, they should stop taking Flucofast and seek medical help immediately.

Flucofast and other medicines

The patient should tell their doctor or pharmacist about all medicines they are taking, have recently taken, or plan to take.
The patient should immediatelytell their doctor about taking astemizole, terfenadine (antihistamines used to treat allergies), cisapride (used to treat stomach disorders), pimozide (used to treat mental disorders), quinidine (used to treat heart rhythm disorders), or erythromycin (an antibiotic used to treat infections), as they should not be taken with Flucofast (see "When not to take Flucofast").
There are also other medicines that may interact with Flucofast.
If the patient is taking any of the following medicines, they should make sure their doctor is informed:

• rifampicin, rifabutin, azithromycin (antibiotics used to treat infections),
• alfentanil, fentanyl (anesthetics),
• amitriptyline, nortriptyline (antidepressants),
• amphotericin B, voriconazole (antifungal medicines),
• blood thinners, preventing blood clots (warfarin or similar medicines),
• benzodiazepines (midazolam, triazolam, or other similar medicines) that help with sleep or have a calming effect,
• carbamazepine, phenytoin (used to treat epilepsy),
• nifedipine, isradipine, amlodipine, felodipine, and losartan (used to treat high blood pressure),
• cyclosporine, everolimus, sirolimus, or tacrolimus (preventing transplant rejection),
• cyclophosphamide, vinca alkaloids (vincristine, vinblastine, or other similar medicines) used to treat cancer,
• halofantrine (used to treat malaria),
• statins (atorvastatin, simvastatin, and fluvastatin or other similar medicines) used to lower cholesterol levels,
• methadone (a pain reliever),
• celecoxib, flurbiprofen, naproxen, ibuprofen, lornoxicam, meloxicam, diclofenac (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines - NSAIDs),
• oral contraceptives,
• prednisone (a steroid),
• zidovudine, also known as AZT; saquinavir (used in HIV patients),
• antidiabetic medicines, such as chlorpropamide, glibenclamide, glipizide, or tolbutamide,
• theophylline (used to treat asthma),
• vitamin A (dietary supplement),
• ivacaftor (used to treat cystic fibrosis),
• hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic),
• amiodarone (used to treat heart rhythm disorders).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding, thinks they may be pregnant, or plans to have a child, they should consult their doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.
If the patient plans to become pregnant, it is recommended that they wait for a week after taking a single dose of fluconazole before becoming pregnant. In case of longer treatment cycles with fluconazole, the patient should discuss the need for proper contraception during treatment and for a week after the last dose with their doctor.
If the patient is pregnant, thinks they may be pregnant, or is trying to conceive, they should not take fluconazole unless their doctor recommends it. If the patient becomes pregnant or thinks they may be pregnant while taking this medicine or within a week of taking the last dose, they should contact their doctor.
Fluconazole taken during the first or second trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage. Fluconazole taken during the first trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects of the heart, bones, and (or) muscles.
There have been cases of children with birth defects of the skull, ears, and thigh and forearm bones, born to mothers treated for coccidioidomycosis with high doses of fluconazole (400-800 mg per day) for at least 3 months. The relationship between fluconazole use and these cases is unclear.
Flucofast should not be taken by breastfeeding women unless their doctor recommends it. Breastfeeding can continue after taking a single dose of Flucofast of 200 mg or less. Breastfeeding should not be done if the patient is taking multiple doses of Flucofast.

Driving and using machines

When driving or using machines, the patient should consider that dizziness or seizures may occasionally occur.

Flucofast, 50 mg, contains lactose monohydrate and sodium

If the patient has previously been diagnosed with intolerance to some sugars, they should consult their doctor before taking the medicine.
The medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per capsule, which means the medicine is considered "sodium-free".

Flucofast, 100 mg, contains orange yellow S (E 110), lactose monohydrate, and sodium

The medicine may cause allergic reactions.
If the patient has previously been diagnosed with intolerance to some sugars, they should consult their doctor before taking the medicine.
The medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per capsule, which means the medicine is considered "sodium-free".

Flucofast, 150 mg, contains lactose monohydrate and sodium

If the patient has previously been diagnosed with intolerance to some sugars, they should consult their doctor before taking the medicine.
The medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per capsule, which means the medicine is considered "sodium-free".

3. How to take Flucofast

This medicine should always be taken according to the doctor's recommendations. In case of doubts, the patient should consult their doctor or pharmacist.
The capsule should be swallowed whole, with a glass of water. Capsules are best taken at the same time every day. For children who cannot swallow capsules and for young children who require precise dosing based on body weight, a fluconazole syrup is available on the market.
The recommended dosage, depending on the type of infection, is presented below.

For doses that cannot be achieved with the help of capsules of this strength, other strengths of this medicine are available on the market.

Adults

Adolescents from 12 to 17 years old

The dose prescribed by the doctor should be taken (as for adult patients or as for children).

Children up to 11 years old

The maximum dose for children is 400 mg per day.
The dose will be determined based on the child's body weight in kilograms.

Dosing in children up to 4 weeks old

Children from 3 to 4 weeks old
The same dose as above, but given every other day. The maximum dose is 12 mg/kg body weight every 48 hours.
Children under 2 weeks old
The same dose as above, given every 3 days. The maximum dose is 12 mg/kg body weight every 72 hours.

Elderly patients

The usual dose for adults is given, unless the patient has kidney function disorders.

Patients with kidney function disorders

The doctor may recommend changing the dosage, depending on kidney function.

Method of administration

The medicine can be taken regardless of meals.

Taking a higher dose of Flucofast than recommended

Taking too many capsules at once can cause discomfort. The patient should contact the emergency department of the nearest hospital immediately. Symptoms of possible overdose may include hearing, vision, or sensation disorders, thinking about untrue things (hallucinations and paranoid behavior). Symptomatic treatment (life-supporting treatment and stomach lavage, if necessary) may be indicated.

Missing a dose of Flucofast

A double dose should not be taken to make up for a missed dose. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should not be taken.
In case of any further doubts about taking this medicine, the patient should consult their doctor or pharmacist.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Flucofast can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Some patients may experience allergic reactions, but severe allergic reactions are rare. If any of the following symptoms occur, the patient should immediatelytell their doctor:

• sudden wheezing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness,
• swelling of the eyelids, face, or lips,
• itching all over the body, redness of the skin, or red or itchy blisters,
• rash on the skin,
• severe skin reactions, such as a rash with blisters (may also affect the mouth and tongue).

If the patient experiences any of the following symptoms, they should stop taking Flucofast and seek medical help immediately:

Flucofast

• widespread rash, high fever, and swollen lymph nodes (DRESS or hypersensitivity syndrome).

Flucofast may affect the liver. Liver-related symptoms include:

• feeling tired,
• loss of appetite,
• vomiting,
• yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice).

Flucofast may affect the adrenal glands and the production of steroid hormones. Symptoms of adrenal disorders include:

• fatigue,
• muscle weakness,
• loss of appetite,
• weight loss,
• abdominal pain.

If any of the above symptoms occur, the patient should stop taking Flucofast and immediatelycontact their doctor.

Other side effects

Frequent(occurring in no more than 1 in 10 patients)

• headache,
• abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting,
• increased liver function test values,
• rash.

Uncommon(occurring in no more than 1 in 100 patients)

• decreased red blood cell count, causing paleness, weakness, and shortness of breath,
• decreased appetite,
• insomnia, drowsiness,
• seizures, dizziness, balance disorders (feeling of spinning), sensation disorders, most often in the form of tingling, numbness, or prickling, taste changes,
• constipation, indigestion, bloating, dry mouth,
• muscle pain,
• liver damage and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice),
• blisters, hives, itching, increased sweating,
• feeling tired, unwell, fever.

Rare(occurring in less than 1 in 1,000 patients)

• decreased white blood cell count and platelet count,
• red or purple skin discoloration, which may be a sign of decreased platelet count or changes in other blood cells,
• changes in blood biochemical parameters (high cholesterol, lipid levels in the blood),
• decreased potassium levels in the blood,
• tremors,
• ECG changes, heart rhythm disorders,
• liver failure,
• allergic reactions (sometimes severe), including widespread blistering rash and skin peeling, severe skin reactions, swelling of the lips or face,
• hair loss.

Reporting side effects

If side effects occur, including any not listed in this leaflet, the patient should tell their doctor or pharmacist. Side effects can be reported directly to the Department of Drug Safety Monitoring of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices, and Biocidal Products
Al. Jerozolimskie 181C
02-222 Warsaw
Phone: +48 22 49 21 301
Fax: +48 22 49 21 309
Website: https://smz.ezdrowie.gov.pl
Side effects can also be reported to the marketing authorization holder.
By reporting side effects, more information can be collected on the safety of the medicine.

5. How to store Flucofast

Store in the original packaging to protect from light.
Do not store above 25°C.
Medicines should be kept out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the carton and blister. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.
The inscription on the packaging after the abbreviation EXP means the expiry date, and after the abbreviation Lot/LOT, it means the batch number.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. The patient should ask their pharmacist how to dispose of medicines that are no longer needed. This will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the packaging and other information

What Flucofast contains

• The active substance of Flucofast is fluconazole. Each capsule contains 50 mg, 100 mg, or 150 mg of fluconazole.
• Other ingredients Capsule contents: lactose monohydrate, cornstarch, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate. Capsule shell: Flucofast 50 mg and 150 mg: gelatin, titanium dioxide (E 171). Flucofast 100 mg: gelatin, titanium dioxide (E 171), orange yellow S (E 110), patent blue (E 131), erythrosine (E 127).

What Flucofast looks like and contents of the packaging

Flucofast, 50 mg
Hard capsules, containing white granules, with an opaque cream-colored bottom and top without printing; size 3.
Packaging contains 7 or 14 capsules.
Flucofast, 100 mg
Hard capsules, containing white granules, with a white bottom and amethyst top; size 2.
Packaging contains 7 or 28 capsules.
Flucofast, 150 mg
Hard capsules, containing white granules, with an opaque cream-colored bottom and top without printing; size 1.
Packaging contains 1 or 3 capsules.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing authorization holder

Polpharma S.A.
Pelplińska 19, 83-200 Starogard Gdański
Phone: +48 22 364 61 01

Manufacturer

Polpharma S.A.
Medana branch in Sieradz
Władysława Łokietka 10, 98-200 Sieradz
Polpharma S.A.
Production Plant in Nowa Dęba
Metalowca 2, 39-460 Nowa Dęba

Date of last revision of the leaflet: