Pharmacoeconomics of voriconazole in the management of invasive fungal infections

Abstract

The incidence of invasive fungal infection has risen in recent years with the introduction of more intensive chemotherapy regimens and the advent of stem cell and solid-organ transplants. In patients undergoing chemotherapy, mortality rates ranging from 50 to 90% have been associated with documented invasive fungal infection. Voriconazole is a second-generation triazole, which is a synthesized derivative of fluconazole. It was first approved for marketing in the USA in 2002. Voriconazole has excellent bioavailability and is available in oral and intravenous dosage form. It has extended-spectrum antifungal activity whereby it is highly effective against a variety of fungal organisms, includin..