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Compare Vfend vs. Ambisome

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Voriconazole (Vfend) and amphotericin B liposome (Ambisome) are both antifungal medications used to treat serious fungal infections. They are similar in that they can both treat infections caused by Aspergillus and Candida. However, they differ in several ways. Voriconazole (Vfend) is an azole antifungal available in oral and injectable forms, while amphotericin B liposome (Ambisome) is only available as an injection. Voriconazole is typically started as an IV infusion in a hospital and then switched to oral forms, whereas Ambisome is always given through an IV, in a hospital or by a trained healthcare professional at home. Both are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of voriconazole include vision changes and rash, while Ambisome can cause chills, nausea, and low potassium levels. Voriconazole has many drug interactions, including with omeprazole, while Ambisome requires careful monitoring of kidney and liver function.

Voriconazole (Vfend)
Ambisome (amphotericin B liposome)
Voriconazole (Vfend)
Ambisome (amphotericin B liposome)
Summary of Vfend vs. Ambisome
Summary for Antifungal
Prescription only
Voriconazole (Vfend) is an azole antifungal. It's used in adults and children ages 2 years and older to treat serious fungal infections, including invasive aspergillosis (IA) and esophageal candidiasis (EC). If you have a serious infection that needs voriconazole (Vfend), your healthcare team will typically give you this medication as an intravenous infusion in a hospital setting first. Once your condition improves, they might switch you to voriconazole (Vfend) tablet or oral suspension that's taken by mouth every 12 hours. Some common side effects of voriconazole (Vfend) include vision changes, nausea, and rash.
Summary for Antifungal
Prescription only
Ambisome (amphotericin B liposome) is effective at treating many severe and deadly fungal infections, but it has many side effects.
Indications of Vfend vs. Ambisome
Indications for

•Invasive aspergillosis (IA)

•Candidemia (candidiasis infection of the bloodstream)

•Candidiasis infections that have spread to deep tissue areas, including stomach and wounds

•Esophageal candidiasis (EC)

•Scedosporiosis and fusariosis fungal infections in people who can't take, or didn't respond well, to other treatment

Indications for

•Fungal infections in people with a fever and a low number of white blood cells

•Cryptococcal meningitis in people with HIV

•People with severe fungal infections caused by Aspergillus, Candida, or Cryptococcus who have already tried other antifungals or cannot take other antifungals

•Black fever (visceral leishmaniasis)
Pros and Cons of Vfend vs. Ambisome
Pros and Const for Antifungal
Pros

•Liquid suspension available for people who can't swallow tablets

•Liquid suspension can be stored at room temperature

•Possible option in children as young as 2 years old

Cons

•Interacts with many medications, including omeprazole (Prilosec)

•Can cause serious skin reactions, vision problems, and sensitivity to light

•Tablets contain lactose, not a good choice for people who need to avoid lactose

Pros and Const for Antifungal
Pros

•Treats life-threatening infections

•Works when other antifungals fail

•Not as hard on your kidneys as Abelcet (amphotericin B lipid complex)

•Has been used safely in children as young as 1 year old

Cons

•Must be given through an IV line over 1 to 2 hours

•Must be given in a hospital or by a trained home healthcare professional

•Can be given for several weeks for more severe infections

•Many side effects

•Blood tests required
Common Side Effects of Vfend vs. Ambisome
Common Side Effects for
Adults:

•Vision changes (19%)

•Fever (6%)

•Nausea (5%)

•Rash (5%)

Children:

•Vision changes (26%)

•Fever (25%)

•Vomiting (20%)

•Nose bleeds (16%)

•Nausea (13%)

•Rash (13%)

•Stomach pain (12%)

•Low blood potassium levels (11%)

•Diarrhea (11%)

•High blood pressure (11%)

•Cough (10%)

•Low platelet count (10%)

•Headache (10%)

Common Side Effects for
Chance of experiencing side effects from Ambisome (amphotericin B liposome) varies depending on the dose that's being given.

•Chills (40-48%)

•Low potassium (38-43%)

•Nausea (26-40%)

•Rash (24-25%)

•Vomiting (22-32%)

•Diarrhea (15-30%)

•Trouble breathing (18-23%)

•Changes to liver blood tests (7-22%)

•Changes to kidney blood tests (20-22%)

•Stomach pain (13-20%)

•Fever, chills, hives, and itching while Ambisome (amphotericin B liposome) is being infused or shortly after (11-19%)

•Swelling (13-14%)
Warnings of Vfend vs. Ambisome
Common Side Effects for

•Liver damage

•Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm

•Vision changes

•Allergic reaction (during IV infusions)

•Severe skin reaction

•Sun and light sensitivity

•Harm during pregnancy

•Low adrenal hormone levels

•Inflammation of the pancreas

•Bone and teeth problems

•Risk of kidney problems

Common Side Effects for

•ALLERGIC REACTIONS

•KIDNEY DAMAGE

•LOW MAGNESIUM AND POTASSIUM

•LIVER DAMAGE
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Key takeaways

Summary of Vfend vs. Ambisome

Indications of Vfend vs. Ambisome

Pros and Cons of Vfend vs. Ambisome

Common Side Effects of Vfend vs. Ambisome

Warnings of Vfend vs. Ambisome

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