Another Generic Voriconazole Coming Soon

A generic equivalent to Pfizer’s antifungal agent Vfend has received FDA approval.

Like its brand-name counterpart, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals’ oral generic voriconazole is indicated to treat invasive aspergillosis, esophageal candidiasis, candidemia in non-neutropenic patients, and other serious fungal pathogens including Scedosporium apiospermum and Fusarium species in patients 12 and older.

Glenmark is marketing its generic voriconazole tablets in the same 50 mg and 200 mg dosage strengths as brand-name Vfend.

Mylan launched a generic version of Vfend in April 2010, with Sandoz following suit in December 2011 and Teva in April 2012.

Voriconazole use should start in patients with suspected fungal infections before receiving culture results. Treatment should then be adjusted according to the results.

Patients should take the drug at least 1 hour before or after a meal.

The Infectious Diseases Society of America considers voriconazole a first-line therapy for fungal infections.